as in refuses
to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to
she balked at lending him any more money
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balks (at)
Verb
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If Taiwan refuses to capitulate in a quarantine or blockade, an invasion could follow.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025 -
Selma Blair refuses to sugarcoat what life with multiple sclerosis looks like.—
Maggie Ryan,
Flow Space,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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If Giolito rejects the offer and signs with another team, the Red Sox would receive a draft pick after the fourth round as compensation.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
21 Oct. 2025
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The business software maker on Wednesday unveiled an optimistic, multiyear financial roadmap that rejects the sluggish-growth narrative that has been dogging the stock.—
Natasha Abellard,
CNBC,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In older men, as testosterone naturally declines, gynecomastia becomes more common, often combined with weight gain or medications that alter hormone levels.—
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
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Nazareth now declines to confirm whether the deal has been finalized off-screen or not.—
Tom Huddleston Jr.,
CNBC,
24 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Balks (at).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balks%20%28at%29. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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