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.

Companies tried to pass along their own price increases to customers, but customers were balking.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

Customers were balking after a string of price increases.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

At the same time, advertisers were balking about sponsoring the show, and some would-be guests, such as White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, were expressing reluctance to be interviewed.

From Washington Post • Apr. 24, 2023

Shipping carriers were balking at handling a load headed inland, hundreds of miles from a coastal American port.

From New York Times • Mar. 31, 2022

More likely, the Tyrells were balking at the proposed marriage.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin