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Synonyms

balky

American  
[baw-kee] / ˈbɔ ki /

adjective

balkier, balkiest

  1. given to balking; stubborn; obstinate.

    a balky mule.
    Synonyms:
    pigheaded, mulish, headstrong, perverse, contrary
balky British  
/ ˈbɔːkɪ, ˈbɔːlkɪ /

adjective

  1. inclined to stop abruptly and unexpectedly

    a balky horse
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • balkily adverb
  • balkiness noun

Etymology

Origin of balky

First recorded in 1840–50; balk + -y 1

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.

Maintaining and fixing a balky machine teaches necessary humility.

From The Wall Street Journal

During individual drills, he rolled out and threw passes with no outward sign of a balky hamstring.

From Los Angeles Times

The original May 6 launch was scuttled hours before takeoff due to a balky rocket valve.

From Los Angeles Times

Miles said his balky back no longer allows him to shoot, and it’s also kept him away from Seattle U games, which he attended regularly before the pandemic.

From Seattle Times

Kawhi Leonard acknowledged after the Clippers’ 101-90 loss to the Dallas Mavericks that his balky right knee didn’t respond well coming out of Game 2, his first appearance in more than three weeks.

From Seattle Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.