1
2
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
the candidate tried to avoid discussing his views on the thorny issue
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of thorny
Another helpful exercise, McCoy says, is to couch potentially thorny or negative interactions in the context of an overall positive situation.
—
Ryan Ermey,
CNBC,
23 June 2026
When Grace makes the unexpected pick of Hal as her new vp, things get awfully thorny among this quartet.
—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
22 June 2026
Negotiations in Switzerland are also meant to resolve some of the thorniest issues in the deal that are yet to be agreed upon, including Iran’s nuclear program.
—
Megan Shannon,
NBC news,
21 June 2026
This next round of technical talks, intended to tackle the thorny issue of Iran’s nuclear program, will be much more complicated.
—
Nic Robertson,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorny
Ryan Ermey,
CNBC,
23 June 2026
When Grace makes the unexpected pick of Hal as her new vp, things get awfully thorny among this quartet.
—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
22 June 2026
Negotiations in Switzerland are also meant to resolve some of the thorniest issues in the deal that are yet to be agreed upon, including Iran’s nuclear program.
—
Megan Shannon,
NBC news,
21 June 2026
This next round of technical talks, intended to tackle the thorny issue of Iran’s nuclear program, will be much more complicated.
—
Nic Robertson,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorny
Adjective
-
Across Washington and Oregon, jagged walls of blackberry brambles choke out nearly every hiking trail, highway shoulder, and vacant lot in the region.
-
Why does Orange County have so many families living on the jagged edges of the local economy?
Adjective
-
Some organizers say America's complicated and at times difficult history is being glossed over by fireworks and flag-waving ‒ or that it's being politicized by an administration that has actively worked to advance its version of history.
-
The move gives Marte another chance to work his way back to the major leagues after a difficult stretch that included a brief stop with the Cincinnati Reds organization earlier this year before a cut.
Adjective
-
There’s also the possibility of overindulging fan excitement for beloved characters, a world where Patricia turns into a less prickly, more easily lovable character, trading her off-kilter pointiness for something smoother and more flattering.
-
Still, a square between Venus and Chiron could make mundane conversations more prickly than usual, especially around work, wellness or responsibilities.
Adjective
-
Summer 2026 is having a tough time deciding on this season’s dominating nail trend.
-
These are typically low-wage jobs that the healthcare industry writ large has had a tough time recruiting for since the pandemic.
Adjective
-
Investing in a decadent body butter is like upgrading your flimsy blanket to a plush throw or changing scratchy sheets for a luxurious cotton set—the small change makes a huge difference in your life.
-
The often scratchy, historically fascinating recordings are given an audio backdrop of a keyboard/percussion score performed by Shortell.
Adjective
-
According to the text of the current agreement, the most sensitive nuclear issues are not yet agreed to on paper.
-
Just last month, an attack on Canvas, a software used in schools and colleges, put thousands of students at risk by exposing sensitive information.
Adjective
-
Or will society collectively begin to see this as problematic?
-
Calories Burned Chasing a calorie burn is especially problematic, according to De Leon.
Adjective
-
But a closer examination paints a more complicated picture.
-
The city also has some of the world’s most complicated rules about air-conditioning installation.
Cite this Entry
“Thorny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorny. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
