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

Hatcher — a Pomo shape-shifter who dodges prejudice by passing as Mexican in the novel — is a thorny protagonist, often cunning, scheming and unforgiving. — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026

Leaving the thorny questions to the locals is, in one sense, a no-brainer acknowledgment that Alabama and Massachusetts have different relationships to federal authority. — Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026

Another helpful exercise, McCoy says, is to couch potentially thorny or negative interactions in the context of an overall positive situation. — Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 23 June 2026

When Grace makes the unexpected pick of Hal as her new vp, things get awfully thorny among this quartet. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 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