thorny

adjective

ˈthȯr-nē 

thornier; thorniest

1

: full of thorns

2

: full of difficulties or controversial points : ticklish

a thorny problem

thorniness noun

Synonyms of thorny

• jagged
• prickly
• scratchy
• brambly

Examples of thorny in a Sentence

stay out of the thorny brambles unless you want a ton of scratches

Recent Examples on the Web

Surrounded by a strong ensemble under the direction of Georgette Verdin, Nozicka frankly knocks this thorny role out of the park. —Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026

For some, working with soil evokes nostalgia for childhood summers, smelling thorny roses in bloom and plucking ripe tomatoes off the vine. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Apr. 2026

Coming on the heels of Josh and Lindsay’s touching exchange, this one feels too direct, not thorny enough. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026

Who needs a mild anti-monarchist outburst, given the far thornier international debacle on the BAFTAs stage? —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for thorny

• corny
• horny

Kids Definition

thorny

adjective

ˈthȯr-nē 

thornier; thorniest

1

: full of or covered with thorns

thorny rose bushes

2

: full of difficulties

a thorny problem

thorniness noun