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

But Japan is an especially thorny topic, given the long history of animosity between the two countries. —Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 17 June 2026

Managing this thorny reality is a fundamental challenge for business leaders today, and executives at several leading companies came together to share their insights and experience at Fortune Brainstorm Tech in Apsen, Colorado. —Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 16 June 2026

On the nuclear issue, the memorandum of understanding agreed to by Iranian and American officials over the weekend sets off a 60-day period for the two sides to negotiate a longer-term deal on the fate of Iran's nuclear program, a thorny issue that has proven difficult to resolve. —Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 16 June 2026

Fox is acquiring the streaming and device giant for $22 billion, the two companies announced Monday, in an acquisition that earns Fox a new set of media competitors and raises thorny questions. —Josef Adalian, Vulture, 16 June 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