balk
verb (used without object)
to stop, as at an obstacle, and refuse to proceed or to do something specified (usually followed byat ).
is balking
-
present progressiveof balk (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
The company is balking, saying the disco would cost tens of millions of dollars to construct and maintain and won’t save that many fish.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 12, 2025
Lordstown contends Foxconn is balking at purchasing additional shares of its stock as promised, and misled the EV maker about collaborating on vehicle development plans.
From Reuters ● Jun. 27, 2023
“No one is saying no to anything. Despite some disagreements over details, no one is balking or slowing down,” the official said.
From Washington Post ● Oct. 26, 2022
He currently has three months’ worth of savings and is balking at my plan.
From Slate ● Sep. 25, 2022
But the UW’s Harborview Medical Center is balking at the idea, arguing that they should remain the sole training program, and that an additional program would jeopardize its already unstable funding.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 17, 2020
