spiny

adjective

ˈspī-nē 

spinier; spiniest

1

: abounding with difficulties, obstacles, or annoyances : thorny

spiny problems

2

: covered or armed with spines

broadly : bearing spines, prickles, or thorns

3

: slender and pointed like a spine

spininess noun

Synonyms

• difficult
• tough
• sensitive
• hairy
• sticky
• problematical
• thorny
• problematic
• complicated

Examples of spiny in a Sentence

this promises to be a spiny problem to negotiate

Recent Examples on the Web

Residents in Fort Collins, Colorado, have been reporting sightings of wild rabbits with tentacle-like, black spiny growths around their mouths and faces, according to the local news station WFSB. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025

Dramatic red flowers, which are known as calyxes, feature soft, spiny petals that are both elegant and a little bit scary. —Maggie Heyn Richardson, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025

The spiny creatures are massive grazers of kelp forests, which are crucial members of marine ecosystems, Gehman says. —Andrea Tamayo, Scientific American, 5 Aug. 2025

There are also the Mobius strip cuff links crafted from all-silver or interwoven yellow-gold, rhodium and black ruthenium or semiprecious chrysocolla or spiny oyster. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 1 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spiny

• spiny anteater
• spiny-headed worm
• spiny lobster

Rhymes for spiny

• briny
• piney
• shiny
• tiny
• consignee
• sunshiny

Kids Definition

spiny

adjective

ˈspī-nē 

spinier; spiniest

1

: full of difficulties, obstacles, or problems : thorny

2

: having or covered with spines, thorns, or prickles

spininess noun