BALKY Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'balky' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of balky are contrary , perverse , restive , and wayward . While all these words mean "inclined to resist authority or control," balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action. // a balky witness

Q: When would 'contrary' be a good substitute for 'balky'?

While in some cases nearly identical to balky , contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice. // a contrary child

Q: In what contexts can 'perverse' take the place of 'balky'?

While the synonyms perverse and balky are close in meaning, perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal. // a perverse , intractable critic

Q: When is it sensible to use 'restive' instead of 'balky'?

Although the words restive and balky have much in common, restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders. // tired soldiers growing restive

Q: When is 'wayward' a more appropriate choice than 'balky'?

The words wayward and balky can be used in similar contexts, but wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior. // a school for wayward youths

balky

adjective

ˈbȯ-kē

Definition of balky

as in rebellious

given to resisting authority or another's control a balky toddler who only seemed to know the word "no" when told to do something

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective balky contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of balky are contrary, perverse, restive, and wayward. While all these words mean "inclined to resist authority or control," balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action.

a balky witness

When would contrary be a good substitute for balky?

While in some cases nearly identical to balky, contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice.

a contrary child

In what contexts can perverse take the place of balky?

While the synonyms perverse and balky are close in meaning, perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal.

a perverse, intractable critic

When is it sensible to use restive instead of balky?

Although the words restive and balky have much in common, restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders.

tired soldiers growing restive

When is wayward a more appropriate choice than balky?

The words wayward and balky can be used in similar contexts, but wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior.

a school for wayward youths

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of balky Applying frosting is one of the few things that cannot be said to be a subset of Haaland’s métier; after tossing his balky piping bag aside in frustration, the Norseman issued an expletive that was deemed bleep-worthy by Fox’s Standards & Practices crew. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 26 June 2026 The Angels also said that third baseman Yoán Moncada will have surgery on his balky right-knee. — CBS News, 9 June 2026 On a drizzly Saturday morning late last month, the basement of the New Paltz United Methodist Church filled with old lamps, blunt knives, malfunctioning sound mixers and balky zippers. — ABC News, 7 June 2026 Christian Yelich missed a month with a groin strain, returned to the lineup Tuesday and then didn’t play a game again until Sunday due to his balky back. — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for balky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for balky

Adjective

The collection’s attempt at provocation was perhaps best illustrated by a top with underboob exposure that seemed intended to signal a rebellious edge but came across as little more than an ill-fitting garment in search of a point of view.

— Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Now, Pugh has entered the chat with the most rebellious version yet.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of rebellious

Adjective

Quarterback Jim McMahon wore a headband and adopted a rebel stance while Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton led a powerful attack.

— Ira Kaufman, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
In Congo, where the outbreak has spread to seven provinces, responders have faced attacks on health teams, misinformation about the virus, a failure by locals to report symptoms and rebel violence that has limited access to treatment centers.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of rebel

Adjective

Earlier, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller suggested that more interest rate rises may be needed to tackle stubborn inflation, which has stayed above the Fed's 2% target for more than five years.

— Hugh Leask,Sean Conlon, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
The apparent disconnect between a recovery in oil supply and stubborn fuel prices has drawn attention from analysts.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of stubborn

Adjective

Brian is a gee-whiz irritant, with a reckless attachment to the family’s conveniently recalcitrant dog and a knack for making dangerous situations worse.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
In their recalcitrant way, the balance tips more toward the sentimental than the cynical.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 24 July 2026

Definition of recalcitrant

Adjective

And only DeMichelle’s Marguerite has the necessary command to bring this obstreperous monarch to heel.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
And when intelligence confirms that one of their vessels is engaged in armed smuggling operations, the president need not convene an obstreperous congressional committee before acting in such a manner to defend the American people.

— Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025

Definition of obstreperous

Adjective

In addition to traditional advertising and marketing, out-of-the-box creative strategies and unconventional endeavors are at the core of his mission to get that word out that the once-wayward brand is back.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Scott was unable to recover from a wayward tee shot that left him pinned behind a tree, leaving just Florjancic and McConnell competing for the individual title heading into the second playoff hole, which was the first green at Thunderhawk.

— Harris Horowitz, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of wayward

Adjective

The law permits the government to seek denaturalization when citizenship was illegally obtained or secured through concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
In an act of something like willful, somewhat disturbing friendliness, or a desire not to have to deal with Leo the next time he’s locked out, Clive makes a copy of Leo’s key and installs a lock box by his door.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of willful

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balks (at)

balky

ball

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“Balky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balky. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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