balked

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.

Some balked when Nolen began talking about passing zoning rules, she said.

From Salon • May 3, 2026

Hochul, who had promised no tax increases, balked at the idea.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

Previous presidents would have balked at having such bedfellows.

From Slate • Apr. 9, 2026

Such messaging led to a spat with Musk last month, after the world’s richest man balked at Spain’s vow to ban children under 16 from social-media sites such as X.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

When we moved here after the fire, I noticed that some staffers balked when they first reached the bottom of the stairs.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee