thorny

adjective

ˈthȯr-nē 

thornier; thorniest

1

: full of thorns

2

: full of difficulties or controversial points : ticklish

a thorny problem

thorniness noun

Synonyms of thorny

• jagged
• prickly
• scratchy
• brambly

Examples of thorny in a Sentence

stay out of the thorny brambles unless you want a ton of scratches

Recent Examples on the Web

Data centers and their demands on power, land and water have become thorny political issues and are largely unpopular with the public. — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 2026

How much bigger is a thornier question that remains open today, but Erdős was the first person to make significant progress on it. — Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026

With these headwinds in sight, the success of Myspace hinges on some key factors, including attracting advertisers, sustaining user interest, and dodging a thorny regulatory environment. — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 9 Aug. 2026

And Lane, who delights in thorny ethical questions, doesn’t skimp on the implications of his freedom. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 30 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for thorny

• corny
• horny

Kids Definition

thorny

adjective

ˈthȯr-nē 

thornier; thorniest

1

: full of or covered with thorns

thorny rose bushes

2

: full of difficulties

a thorny problem

thorniness noun