as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
your constant questions are a thorn in my side
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of thorn
Bondi’s departure follows months of mounting pressure stemming largely from her handling of DOJ’s files on the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, which became a constant thorn in her side.
—
Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Epstein files controversy Bondi has also come under fire for her handling of the Epstein files, which has become a political thorn in the president's side, as Republicans in Congress have joined Democrats to push the Justice Department for greater transparency.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
The spirit of the endeavor can forgive a lot, with some clumsy filmmaking that doesn’t seem to be an intentional homage, such as a slapdash set-up to Helen’s murderous ways and a slightly tacked-on feeling opening involving a film critic who has been a thorn in Jack’s side.
—Stephen Saito, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026
Get Tough Purchase ones made from cowhide, goatskin, or pigskin leather or abrasion-resistant canvas that will be harder for thorns to penetrate.
—Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Epstein files controversy Bondi has also come under fire for her handling of the Epstein files, which has become a political thorn in the president's side, as Republicans in Congress have joined Democrats to push the Justice Department for greater transparency.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
The spirit of the endeavor can forgive a lot, with some clumsy filmmaking that doesn’t seem to be an intentional homage, such as a slapdash set-up to Helen’s murderous ways and a slightly tacked-on feeling opening involving a film critic who has been a thorn in Jack’s side.
—Stephen Saito, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026
Get Tough Purchase ones made from cowhide, goatskin, or pigskin leather or abrasion-resistant canvas that will be harder for thorns to penetrate.
—Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
-
Matterhorn Fit treats ailments that affect the neck, back and pelvis, which include sciatica, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, thoracic pain, cervical pain, sports hernia recovery and cervicogenic headache.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Symptoms generally appear within one or two weeks of infection, and can include fever, headache, rash and body aches.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The site fell into neglect and became a blighted public nuisance.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
3 Apr. 2026
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The company could face even more penalties in a second phase of the trial set to start in May, over whether Meta created a public nuisance.—
Shannon Bond,
NPR,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Fortunately, more and more brands are now formulating deodorants without common allergens and irritants.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
-
There certainly are harmful chemicals, carcinogens, toxins, heavy metals, respiratory irritants and other things inside of there that certainly can cause immediate harm.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Southern California residents are voicing their frustrations over the cost of tickets for the LA28 Olympic Games, which event organizers have billed as affordable, especially after getting early access last week.—
Laurie Perez,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
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For years, summer day camp registration has been a source of frustration.—
Carlos Ramirez-Rosa,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Our readers weigh in Twenty-seven years ago today, when UConn played Duke down to the wire in the title game, my wife sat in front of me and asked for a shoulder rub.—
Kels Dayton,
Hartford Courant,
31 Mar. 2026
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As far as vibe goes, this is where tourists and corporate suits from all walks of life rub elbows, whether waiting in line at Shake Shack or the steakhouse Wolf & Lamb.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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