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

Memories of those early, exhausting days of fatherhood cannot be extricated from the challenges of rewriting a particularly thorny vignette. —Literary Hub, 2 June 2026

The much thornier issues involving Iran's nuclear capacity would be addressed during the 60-day ceasefire. —Joey Garrison, USA Today, 29 May 2026

Mina the Hollower blends elements of retro Zelda adventures like Link’s Awakening with more modern games like Elden Ring, and randomizing things in Mina’s world provides some thorny challenges right from the start. —Jay Peters, The Verge, 27 May 2026

Questions around which company would be the parent, how a stock swap would take place, and who determines the appropriate price are among the thorny challenges. —Seema Mody,lora Kolodny, CNBC, 26 May 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