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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
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Recent Examples of thorny
The two sides have addressed an array of subjects, but the thorniest one — as was the case during the 2023 strike — may be artificial intelligence.
—
Gene Maddaus, Variety, 16 Mar. 2026
The film dives into thorny territory as Leticia develops a relationship with a man named Hank (Billy Bob Thornton) who, unbeknownst to her, was involved in the execution of her husband.
—Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026
Gauntlet gloves are the one accessory that'll protect you from your thorniest gardening problems.
—Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
Affordability has become a thorny political issue for congressional Republicans with midterm elections later this year.
—Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorny
Gene Maddaus, Variety, 16 Mar. 2026
The film dives into thorny territory as Leticia develops a relationship with a man named Hank (Billy Bob Thornton) who, unbeknownst to her, was involved in the execution of her husband.
—Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026
Gauntlet gloves are the one accessory that'll protect you from your thorniest gardening problems.
—Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
Affordability has become a thorny political issue for congressional Republicans with midterm elections later this year.
—Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorny
Adjective
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From Buffalo Grove, the district goes northwest on a jagged path through Mundelein, Fox Lake, and into McHenry County.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
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Rescuers said the conditions were treacherous, with deep drifting snow, jagged ice and extremely limited visibility that slowed efforts to reach the man.—
Ashley Carnahan,
FOXNews.com,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The most difficult piece of the puzzle?—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Mar. 2026
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But studying those relationships is difficult, due to the challenges in actually observing social interactions in the shark world.—
BRADY DENNIS THE WASHINGTON POST,
Arkansas Online,
22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Based on the book by Bart Baker, Honeymoon with Harry follows a rough-around-the-edges man (Gyllenhaal) who ends up sharing an unwanted journey with his fiancée’s prickly, overprotective father (Costner) after a life-altering turn upends their plans.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
18 Mar. 2026
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The best neo-soul is raw, prickly music that’s way too emotionally complex to be reduced to a moodboard aesthetic.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Middle linebacker is one of the toughest positions to play in today’s game, but Smith has the mental makeup to run the front of this defense.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
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The Senate map will likely get tougher for Democrats in future elections.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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These are made of 100% extra-long-staple Supima cotton, and Lee says the textured material doesn’t feel at all scratchy.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
17 Mar. 2026
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The most interesting thing about the song might be the scratchy, lo-fi guitar solo half way through, and that only lasts 15 seconds.—
Ben Cardew,
Pitchfork,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Any one of those facts should have triggered harder questions about putting sensitive law enforcement data on Microsoft’s cloud.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
23 Mar. 2026
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Aestura’s Atobarrier365 Cream aims to help dry, sensitive skin find that same kind of balance.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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That's especially problematic for the often underage victims of this abuse – 90% of which are women – as studies show these deepfake nude images can have wide-ranging and long-lasting consequences.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
23 Mar. 2026
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OpenAI cautioned investors that ongoing litigation could be problematic due to copyright, patent and other intellectual property issues, along with employment and contract disputes, privacy concerns and other matters.—
Lora Kolodny,Ashley Capoot,
CNBC,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Managing reputational risk is a complicated (and constant) obligation.—
Rick Burton,
Sportico.com,
21 Mar. 2026
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Pegula hit five aces and never let the match settle into anything complicated.—
Noah Gulley,
Miami Herald,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thorny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorny. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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