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 of spiny

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

Examples of spiny in a Sentence

this promises to be a spiny problem to negotiate

Recent Examples on the Web

Some of these spiny perennials grow on the ground, while others grow tall on thin, wiry trunks. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026

The plant is easily identified by its rampant growth in the spring and its spiny globular fruit. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026

The Cleveland Botanical Garden's Glasshouse spotlights plants, insects, birds, and more from the spiny desert of Madagascar and the rainforest of Costa Rica. —Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 9 Apr. 2026

In late November, the annual 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, 9 Apr. 2026

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