1
2
as in irritable
easily irritated or annoyed
she dreaded having to deal with her prickly boss
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
4
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
a prickly issue that will outrage at least one special interest if not handled delicately
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prickly
Keller resists going too quirky with his characters, locating humor instead in the sometimes prickly, often playful exchanges between them, and pathos in their genuine care and concern for one another.
—
Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2025
Weeding out young thistles by hand and applying herbicides at the right time of year are most effective for getting rid of this prickly weed.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2025
By Zak Cheney-Rice book review 7:00 a.m. Susan Choi Is Still Outlandishly Talented A father’s disappearance, and the black hole of uncertainty surrounding it, are the subject of her prickly new novel.
—Britina Cheng, Vulture, 1 June 2025
Their prickly relationship drives much of the story.
—Adam B. Vary, Variety, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prickly
Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2025
Weeding out young thistles by hand and applying herbicides at the right time of year are most effective for getting rid of this prickly weed.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2025
By Zak Cheney-Rice book review 7:00 a.m. Susan Choi Is Still Outlandishly Talented A father’s disappearance, and the black hole of uncertainty surrounding it, are the subject of her prickly new novel.
—Britina Cheng, Vulture, 1 June 2025
Their prickly relationship drives much of the story.
—Adam B. Vary, Variety, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prickly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prickly
Adjective
-
The Panthers’ illuminating and irritating game defined their full identity.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
10 June 2025
-
Absences through injury have been an irritating constant throughout Welbeck’s career.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
Her tone is free-associative, irritable and rat-a-tat.—
Alexandra Jacobs,
New York Times,
1 June 2025
-
When an owner is distracted or irritable from work stress, the dog notices.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
Some have risked their lives and their livelihoods to cover thorny issues affecting their home countries.—
David Folkenflik,
NPR,
21 June 2025
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Expected to go on sale in North America this fall, pricing will be a thorny issue in the era of on-again, off-again, on-again tariffs.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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This moderately difficult, half-mile trail through the Mission Hills Open Space, is located across from Pioneer Park.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 June 2025
-
Attorney Nicole Blank Becker, who represents R. Kelly, told Fox News Digital that jurors, just like anyone else, have a difficult time separating emotions from charges.—
Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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But, Jackson pairs them with a matching black leotard and a floor-length trench coat, letting all the attention fall on the fiery red pointed pumps.—
Tiana Randall,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
-
Charles Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie Charles from Little House on the Prairie has a fiery spirit aligning him with the zodiac sign.—
Lisa Stardust,
People.com,
15 June 2025
Adjective
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Sandwiched between the ocean and the Oregon Coast Range, U.S. Route 101 traces the state’s entire coastline, with wide beaches and jagged sea stacks on one side of the road and thickets of evergreen forest on the other.—
Chloe Arrojado,
AFAR Media,
17 June 2025
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While icebergs and rocky shorelines dominate the Antarctic coastline that cruise ships navigate, the heart of the continent is another world, one of shimmering blue ice tunnels and crevasses, jagged mountain peaks, and vast moonscapes.—
Chloe Berge,
Outside Online,
17 June 2025
Adjective
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The observatory’s mirror design, sensitive camera and telescope speed are all the first of its kind, enabling Rubin to spot tiny, faint objects such as asteroids.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
23 June 2025
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With the hot and humid conditions, ozone levels will become unhealthy for sensitive groups (people with lung disease, young children, older adults, etc.).—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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This one attaches easily to your carry-on and spares you from those scratchy airline blankets.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
30 May 2025
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For example, dry air, smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke often lead to a scratchy throat and hoarseness.—
Laura Dorwart,
Verywell Health,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prickly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prickly. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.
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