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.

A number of Middle East countries had balked at his presence, people familiar with the matter said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 14, 2025

Cohen previously testified that Trump had balked at paying the company, forcing him to do it himself.

From Salon • May 20, 2024

Still, until this weekend, the German government had balked at sending weapons to Ukraine, even as it faced growing international criticism for its hesitation.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 27, 2022

But I had balked at not being able to see it — or drive it — since it was so far from New Hampshire.

From New York Times • Oct. 14, 2021

He remembered how his mother’s family had balked at the idea that the police had a permanent presence at school when they’d heard at Thanksgiving the past year.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro