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

Those who reject or question her motives are pushed far into the movie’s gradual, calculated unspooling, gesturing at thorny complexities which are never allowed to arise. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 13 Sep. 2026

But to do so overlooks the thrilling, genuinely thorny assertions contained in several of the season’s best films. — Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Singapore pays its political leaders high salaries to attract talent and deter graft, but the issue is thorny in the city-state, where the median wage worker made S$5,775 ($736) a month in 2025. — Reuters, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026

Despite the Wallow Fire’s worst, KP Creek retains shade from cliffs, old ponderosa pines, and thorny Mexican locusts. — Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 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