thornier; thorniest
Synonyms of thornynext
1
: full of thorns
2
: full of difficulties or controversial points : ticklish
a thorny problem
thorniness noun

Examples of thorny in a Sentence

stay out of the thorny brambles unless you want a ton of scratches
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This sensibility influences their coverage of thornier topics, such as tech governance and regulation. Diego Lasarte, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026 Throughout the album, Matryoshka repeats that thorny approach, skewing familiar markers of various electronic genres just so to create an immersive, quietly transportive record. Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 24 Feb. 2026 Speaking about another thorny issue, Zelensky told CNN that Ukraine is willing to freeze the war at the current front lines. Clarissa Ward, CNN Money, 23 Feb. 2026 The subject of licensing music rights is fascinating and thorny enough in its own right. Chris Willman, Variety, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thorny

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of thorny was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Thorny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thorny. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

thorny

adjective
thornier; thorniest
1
: full of or covered with thorns
thorny rose bushes
2
: full of difficulties
a thorny problem
thorniness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on thorny

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