thorny

1 of 2

adjective

ˈthȯr-nē 

thornier; thorniest

1

: full of thorns

2

: full of difficulties or controversial points : ticklish

a thorny problem

thorniness noun

thorniness

2 of 2

noun

thorn·​i·​ness

-nēnə̇s, 

-nin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being thorny

Synonyms of thorny

Adjective

• jagged
• prickly
• scratchy
• brambly

Examples of thorny in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Trump has since tried to find an off-ramp to the war in Iran, but Israel’s actions made such peace deal talks thorny. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 19 Oct. 2026

And although the lack of communication between the family and the foundation has sowed its fair share of discord, the situation is a bit thornier than that. — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2026

Well done, everyone, on agreeing on an elegant solution to a thorny problem. — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026

Russia’s war aims and Ukraine’s requirements—on such thorny issues as territory, Ukrainian security arrangements, and Russia’s future relations with the West—are simply too far apart. — Eric Ciaramella, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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