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
Examples of spiny in a Sentence
this promises to be a spiny problem to negotiate
Recent Examples on the Web
This medium-sized toad, found in the Khumbu region, is distinguished by its large, flat head and spiny skin.
—
Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
Medium spiny neurons play an important role in habit formation, the process by which a behavior becomes automatic and habitual – think compulsions.
—Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 13 May 2025
From tree stumps and rocks, the spiny reptiles basked and watched as wooden fences subdivided the landscape.
—Sean Greene, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Every late November and early December, the Anegada Lobster Festival takes the island's year-round lobster love and turns it into an obsession, with local restaurants featuring special dishes and plenty of events making the spiny Anegada lobster the star of the show.
—Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spiny
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Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
Medium spiny neurons play an important role in habit formation, the process by which a behavior becomes automatic and habitual – think compulsions.
—Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 13 May 2025
From tree stumps and rocks, the spiny reptiles basked and watched as wooden fences subdivided the landscape.
—Sean Greene, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Every late November and early December, the Anegada Lobster Festival takes the island's year-round lobster love and turns it into an obsession, with local restaurants featuring special dishes and plenty of events making the spiny Anegada lobster the star of the show.
—Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spiny
Cite this Entry
“Spiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spiny. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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