Choose the appropriate synonym of the underlined word from the options given.
Even regular customers balked when the canteen near the college raised the price of a samosa to forty rupees.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Hesitated
As used in the sentence, balked means held back from doing something, or was unwilling to do it. Its synonym is hesitated. Example: Aman balked at jumping into the deep end of the pool.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Hesitated (answer) | paused before doing something because of doubt (same as balked) | Riya hesitated before raising her hand in class. |
| (2) Bargained | argued to get a lower price (about the price, not holding back) | Mummy bargained with the vegetable seller over the price of tomatoes. |
| (3) Agreed | said yes to something (the opposite of balked) | The principal agreed to give us an extra games period. |
| (4) Rejoiced | felt or showed great happiness | The whole street rejoiced when India won the final. |
| Synonyms of balked: hesitated, recoiled, flinched, refused Antonyms of balked: agreed, accepted, welcomed |