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

Now based in New York City, his first Texas solo museum show, staged at The Contemporary, revealed not only magnificently smooth objects seemingly beguiled from wood, with enough thorny surfaces to remind the viewer of the complicated life of the immigrant today. —Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026

The Tonight Show is really willing to grapple with the emotional, horny, thorny fandom of Heated Rivalry. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026

Warp Speed is far from the only effort aiming to apply emerging tech to the thorny problem. —Hope Hodge Seck, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026

Rubio will also have to navigate thorny issues, such as dealing with Greenlander’s desire for independence and Europe’s response. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 9 Jan. 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