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
Refractory is a synonym for balky in obstinate topic. In some cases you can use "Refractory" instead an adjective "Balky", when it comes to topics like contrary.
Refractory
Refractory adjective - Given to resisting authority or another's control.
Usage example: refractory players will be ejected from the game
Balky is a synonym for refractory (North American) in obstinate topic. You can use "Balky" instead an adjective "Refractory", if it concerns topics such as contrary. informal substitute
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
- inflexible and balky
- inflexible and refractory
- obstinate and balky
- obstinate and refractory
- stubborn and balky
- stubborn and refractory
- restive and balky
- restive and refractory
- difficult and balky
- difficult and refractory
- contrary and balky
- contrary and refractory
- perverse and balky
- perverse and refractory
Cite this Source
Refractory and Balky. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 16, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/balky/refractory
Balky & Refractory. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/balky/refractory>.
Refractory or Balky. 2016. Accessed August 16, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/balky/refractory.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "balky" and "refractory" have occurred on timeline