Balky and Deferential
Opposite meaning words
Balky
Balky adjective - Given to resisting authority or another's control.
Usage example: a balky toddler who only seemed to know the word “no” when told to do something
Deferential is an antonym for balky.
Deferential
Deferential adjective - Marked by or showing proper regard for another's higher status.
Balky is an antonym for deferential.
Cite this Source
Deferential and Balky. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 14, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/balky/deferential
Balky & Deferential. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/balky/deferential>.
Deferential or Balky. 2016. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/balky/deferential.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "balky" and "deferential" have occurred on timeline