spiny

spiny

adjective \ˈspī-nē\

spin·i·erspin·i·est

Definition of SPINY

1

: abounding with difficulties, obstacles, or annoyances : thorny <spiny problems>

2

: covered or armed with spines; broadly : bearing spines, prickles, or thorns

3

: slender and pointed like a spine

— spin·i·ness noun

Examples of SPINY

1. <this promises to be a spiny problem to negotiate>

First Known Use of SPINY

1586

Related to SPINY

Synonyms

catchy, delicate, difficult, dodgy [chiefly British], hairy, knotty, nasty, prickly, problematic (also problematical), sensitive, tricky, sticky, thorny, ticklish, touchy, tough, tricksy

Related Words

abstract, abstruse, complex, complicated, hard, intricate, involved, recondite, serious; problem, scabrous, stubborn, troublesome, troublous, vexatious, vexing, worrisome; burdensome, demanding, discommoding, exacting, exhausting, importunate, inconvenient, onerous, oppressive, painful, stressful

Near Antonyms

easy, effortless, manageable, painless, simple, straightforward, uncomplicated, undemanding, unproblematic

Rhymes with SPINY

briny, heinie, liny, shiny, tiny, twiny, viny, whiny