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.
When insurers balked, the company turned around and billed patients’ families, dragging them into financial and legal turmoil and disrupting care for their disabled children.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026
Previously, Target reported 13 consecutive quarters of weak or falling sales as some shoppers balked at messy shelves and a less exciting product assortment.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026
Fans have more recently balked at the cost of a seat at a match.
From MarketWatch • May 14, 2026
Some balked when Nolen began talking about passing zoning rules, she said.
From Salon • May 3, 2026
When a few of the king’s knights strapped them onto their feet nonetheless, the big southern horses balked and refused to move, or tried to shake the things off their feet.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
![]()