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

But there’s a question running through the film that’s a lot thornier than unlikely friendships and learning to look at the world through another’s eyes. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026

This is surely not the end of this thorny issue, and as tech continues to advance, this will be an important job category to watch. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Most Popular For many women with endometriosis, beauty is a thorny thing. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026

Lee has expanded upon his earlier, unrealized portrait of a couple in crisis to craft a thorny study of two couples — one affected by brutal downsizing, the other leading a lavish lifestyle with seemingly everything at their disposal. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 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