PRICKLY Synonyms: 164 Similar and Opposite Words

prickly

adjective

ˈpri-k(ə-)lē

Definition of prickly

as in irritating

causing an unpleasant tingling sensation she tried to ignore the feel of the prickly grass against her skin

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in irritable

easily irritated or annoyed she dreaded having to deal with her prickly boss

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in thorny

having leaves or branches which are likely to cause a scratch waded carefully through the prickly bushes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of prickly Mexico’s stability was more important than challenging its stunted democracy, prickly nationalism, and closed economy. — Robert B. Zoellick, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026 In Lourdes, Leo will be reminded of a prickly abuse case inherited from Pope Francis. — ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026 Those perfectly pungent elements rip through the savory pastrami perfectly, infusing every bite with a slightly prickly tang. — Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 9 Sep. 2026 Every so often, the British writer-director Mike Leigh makes a movie in which the stars — and the tartly casual dramatic scenes — line up, coalescing into a full-on vision of prickly humanity. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prickly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prickly

Adjective

Mature skin should be treated with a mild, non-irritating cleanser that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils or irritate dry and sensitive types.

— Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
The cold temperature will slow down the enzymes and ease the irritating effects.

— Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of irritating

Adjective

Murray says her own experience has made her more understanding when female colleagues seem more tired or irritable than usual, particularly when the behavior is out of character.

— Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 21 Oct. 2026
Could be because for much of the running time, Abrams’ Jay Gardiner is up against what looks like a very large irritable sphincter.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of irritable

Adjective

Inspired by imagery in the folkloric tome Grimms’ Fairy Tales, the lights mimic thorny bushes like blackthorn and rose, both used in witchcraft.

— Francesca Perry, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
But their 20-3 loss to the Seahawks (4-3) was so thorough, unsightly and disillusioning as to render the 5-0 run-up to it entirely suspect — especially considering the Chiefs’ thorny schedule ahead.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of thorny

Adjective

Jarman, who came in as the defending champion on the event, put together a more difficult routine but was nicked by judges for his execution.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
This is the last remaining game on the schedule that should be very difficult.

— David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of difficult

Adjective

Statewide Democratic contenders delivered fiery appeals, recording artist Janelle Monáe brought a bass-thumping performance and the Clark Atlanta University marching band nearly brought down the house.

— Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Remembering Dolores Huerta The fiery and resolute activist who helped launch and guide the nation’s first enduring labor union for poor farmworkers, and later became an inspiration to women and liberal true believers, has died.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of fiery

Adjective

John Homme sings at the jagged, forlorn beginning of the ninth Queens of the Stone Age album.

— Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2026
As with his previous films, Iñárritu tells his story using scenes out of order so that the pieces fall together in a jagged form that heightens the tension.

— Ray Bennett, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of jagged

Adjective

State officials had provided a version of the rolls that withheld such sensitive personal information, citing privacy concerns.

— Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 2 Nov. 2026
An Israeli military official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media or to discuss sensitive operational matters, also confirmed the withdrawal.

— Francesca Ebel, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of sensitive

Adjective

Expect a gritty or scratchy feeling, burning, itching, redness, blurred vision during tasks and the sense that something is stuck in the eye.

— Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Every fall wardrobe needs a denim jacket, and this design feels smooth and stretchy rather than stiff and scratchy.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of scratchy

Browse Nearby Words

prickling

prickly

pricks

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Style

“Prickly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prickly. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of prickly

adjective

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