as in headaches
something that is a source of irritation
the constant need to cut costs was a hair shirt, but one that the theater company had to live with
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hair shirts
Noun
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But the departures are often bigger PR headaches than operational ones.
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But the move enabled Florida to lock in what will be one of the best top-six forward groups in the league, slotting Brady Tkachuck into the left wing spot on the second line alongside center Sam Bennett and right wing Matthew Tkachuk that will cause opponents major headaches.
Noun
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An individual bush can grow up to 15 feet high and 40 feet long, with thick stems, also known as canes, marked by sharp, hooked thorns.
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The match was set, and now Rhodes will defend the title against the two thorns in his side since before Clash in Italy.
Noun
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Those frustrations could be on the verge of boiling over.
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South Africa has a history of xenophobic violence as migrants from poor nations like Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi generally end up settling in impoverished communities in South Africa where unemployment and frustrations are high.
Noun
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Besides being nuisances, many types carry diseases including West Nile virus, encephalitis, and canine heartworm.
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If the nuisances continue at Albany Care, the city is seeking a court order to shut the facility down, separate from the state action.
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Cite this Entry
“Hair shirts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hair%20shirts. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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