85 entries under balk topic. ×

6
recoil(verb, move, change, start, withdraw)
4
shrink(verb, stop, start, withdraw, return)
3
pull back(verb, expression, phrasal verb, stop, withdraw)
3
shift(verb, move, stop, change, push)
2
swerve(verb, move, stop, change, start)
2
alternate(verb, move, stop, change, push)
2
dodge(withdraw, retreat, hesitate, recoil, shrink)
2
duck(verb, start, withdraw, retreat, dodge)
2
equivocate(pause, hesitate, falter, scruple)
2
hedge(pause, hesitate, falter, scruple)
2
hem and haw(expression, idiom, pause, hesitate, falter)
2
pussyfoot(pause, hesitate, falter, scruple)
2
vacillate(pause, hesitate, falter, scruple)
2
withdraw(verb, start, return, retreat, dodge)
1
back off(verb, expression, phrasal verb, return, retreat)
1
backfire(verb, withdraw, retreat, dodge, hesitate)
1
balance(pause, hesitate, falter, scruple)
1
be irresolute(pause, hesitate, falter, scruple)
1
be reluctant(stick, pause, hesitate, trail, linger)
1
be unwilling(pause, hesitate, falter, scruple)
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APASmart Define. (2015). shy away thesaurus. Retrieved September 28, 2026, from https://smartdefine.org/shy_away/thesaurus/synonyms
ChicagoSmart Define. 2015. "shy away thesaurus" https://smartdefine.org/shy_away/thesaurus/synonyms (accessed September 28, 2026).
HarvardSmart Define 2015, shy away thesaurus, Smart Define, viewed 28 September, 2026, <https://smartdefine.org/shy_away/thesaurus/synonyms>.
MLASmart Define. "shy away thesaurus" 13 April 2015. Web. 28 September 2026. <https://smartdefine.org/shy_away/thesaurus/synonyms>