as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
your constant questions are a thorn in my side
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 thorn
The issue has been a perennial thorn for the Southern Baptist Convention, whose delegates will once again confront the matter at the group's annual meeting June 9-10 in Orlando.
—
Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Darling of the Silverwood Chinese witch kids, young business prodigy turned multimillionaire Vogue Man cover material, and eternal thorn in my side.
—Shyla Watson, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
That amendment appeared to satisfy Houston, who has long described the restriction as a thorn in his side.
—Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
Some have thorns or spines, others have poisonous leaves or berries, and still others have…elaborate chemical defense alarm systems?
—Regina G. Barber, NPR, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Darling of the Silverwood Chinese witch kids, young business prodigy turned multimillionaire Vogue Man cover material, and eternal thorn in my side.
—Shyla Watson, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
That amendment appeared to satisfy Houston, who has long described the restriction as a thorn in his side.
—Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
Some have thorns or spines, others have poisonous leaves or berries, and still others have…elaborate chemical defense alarm systems?
—Regina G. Barber, NPR, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
-
That’s when the real headache for businesses began, as customs checks, border controls and reams of paperwork came into force.—
Hanna Ziady,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
-
But the move enabled Florida to lock in what will be one of the best top-six forward groups in the league, slotting Brady Tkachuck into the left wing spot on the second line alongside center Sam Bennett and right wing Matthew Tkachuk that will cause opponents major headaches.—
Eduardo A. Encina,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
In May, Social Circle filed a lawsuit against DHS, arguing the agency violated federal environmental review requirements and Georgia public nuisance law while pursuing the project.—
CBS News Atlanta Digital Team,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
-
Besides being nuisances, many types carry diseases including West Nile virus, encephalitis, and canine heartworm.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Trump regularly regales audiences with his prowess as a dealmaker by recounting conversations he's had with Macron about trade irritants, mimicking Macron's responses in an exaggerated accent.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 June 2026
-
Then Merz added another irritant.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Kiley left the Republican Party earlier this year, citing frustration with partisanship.—
Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2026
-
In Ghana, there also remains frustration at the old FIFA rules which dictated that once a player had represented a country at youth level, he was bound to it forever.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
While small amounts hidden in seasonings or spice rubs are less likely to cause serious illness, larger exposures, such as a dog eating raw onions or a whole head of garlic, can be dangerous.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
15 June 2026
-
Here's a rub -- here's the rub.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
