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

First, though, there’s the thorny question of trial funding. —Ana Castelain, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026

While Latin America, the United Kingdom and Middle East have all had positive market share gains, challenges in other key markets are proving thornier. —Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 28 Jan. 2026

The ceasefire’s next phase will confront thornier issues, including transitioning to a new governance structure in Gaza and disarming Hamas, which has ruled the territory for nearly two decades. —Julia Frankel, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026

If the plaintiff has been paying fees hourly over several years, the tax issues are thorny. —Robert W. Wood, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 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