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

What of the opinions of a cast as capable and discreet as this one (Florence Hunt rounds out the quartet as Amanda’s teenage daughter) on the thorny nature of the material? —Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2026

Navigating such thorny topics as consent and autonomy in the throes of dementia, the film is relentless in its exploration of impossible-to-answer questions, and uses, as its vessel, three sensational performers who make its drama both luminous and entirely devastating. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026

Zak Keefer’s feature on Gu’s thorny reality at these Games is worth your time. —Chris Branch, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2026

Gone, however, are the thorny emotions of Brontë, replaced by something far more poisonous. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 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