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
Binh’s spiny frogs were found near forest streams between elevations of about 1,000 to 2,500 feet, the study said.
—
Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025
Lurking in spiny armor below the waves, sea urchin is a luscious and briny delicacy.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 11 June 2025
Leatherbacks have spiny papillae lining their mouth and esophagus.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
Some of these spiny characters, such as the field thistle, are native nectar sources for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for spiny
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Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025
Lurking in spiny armor below the waves, sea urchin is a luscious and briny delicacy.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 11 June 2025
Leatherbacks have spiny papillae lining their mouth and esophagus.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
Some of these spiny characters, such as the field thistle, are native nectar sources for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 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 27 Jun. 2025.
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