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balked

  • past participle of balk.
  • past tense form of balk.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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The claim addressed the rising concerns of business customers who have balked at the expense of running advanced AI systems.

From Barron's Jul. 24, 2026

In La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, many balked at the idea that the eight men killed posed a threat to the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 20, 2026

But even after the studio won a bidding war for the story, it balked at coughing up the money for a movie worthy of Madonna’s legacy.

From Salon Jul. 8, 2026

Insurers could still step in for 2028, but nothing compels them to, and they balked once for a simple reason: Covering this category pushes premiums higher for everyone.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 2, 2026

The animals balked at such places, and the camel drivers were forced to dismount and unburden their charges.

From "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho