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

Trump is reportedly assigning a two-star American general to lead the ISF, but potential members of the international force are holding back commitments without clear answers to thorny questions. —Laura Kelly, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2025

This aggressive grower creates thorny thickets that are difficult to remove during the growing season, when its dense leaves make its thorny stems hard to see. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Dec. 2025

Fizkes | Istock | Getty Images Divorce always raises thorny questions of how to divide marital property. —Kevin Williams, CNBC, 7 Dec. 2025

France and Netflix have long had a thorny relationship, with the streamer subject to a 15-month media window in return for extra investment in local feature films. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2025

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