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.

Previous presidents would have balked at having such bedfellows.

From Slate • Apr. 9, 2026

Bond investors, in theory, should have balked at it all.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

Some locals worried about losing the character of their communities have balked at developers coming in as fire victims sell lots and move away.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 7, 2025

Citing legal concerns, European officials have balked at outright confiscating the money and handing it to Ukraine as compensation for the destruction caused by Russia.

From Seattle Times • May 24, 2024

He would have balked at letting me go undercover in the Lake sector for days on end, without a pair of strong backups and a team to follow me.

From "Legend" by Marie Lu