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
These two adults have a prickly chemistry.
—
Judy Berman, Time, 26 Dec. 2025
Tension between Ebro’s performative bullishness and the evolving face of rap led to prickly radio theater.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
Gehry then pulled out a pair of scissors, cutting up a pricklier shape, like a strange crown.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 12 Dec. 2025
At a distance many of these plants appear fluffy, with a bushiness that upon closer inspection reveals hundreds, likely thousands, of prickly spines.
—Von Diaz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prickly
Judy Berman, Time, 26 Dec. 2025
Tension between Ebro’s performative bullishness and the evolving face of rap led to prickly radio theater.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
Gehry then pulled out a pair of scissors, cutting up a pricklier shape, like a strange crown.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 12 Dec. 2025
At a distance many of these plants appear fluffy, with a bushiness that upon closer inspection reveals hundreds, likely thousands, of prickly spines.
—Von Diaz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prickly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prickly
Adjective
-
Plus, pH-balanced formulations and non-irritating ingredients solidify the full profile of a gentle cleanser.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
15 Jan. 2026
-
What an irritating phrase, Helen thinks.—
Sadia Shepard,
New Yorker,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This can include feeling irritable, having a low frustration tolerance, feeling easily overstimulated, and having rapid shifts in emotion.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Accompanying Rayner through these daily adventures were the irritable duck Chelveston (named after his English bomber base) and the gentle dog puppet Cuddly Dudley.—
Michael Peregrine,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Solving the energy and water issues, and then convincing the public, are thorny problems.—
Rachyl Jones,
semafor.com,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Advertisement The United Nations still plays an important role as a neutral third party or referee in resolving thorny international disputes but its role in peace-making and mediation has diminished significantly.—
Galip Dalay,
Time,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Business leaders, of course, have their own interests and shareholders to serve, but Democrats can still protect the public interest while giving CEOs a seat at the table to reach pragmatic answers to difficult questions like these.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Activist groups say hundreds of people have been killed, though the true toll remains difficult to verify due to the internet blackout and tight state controls on information.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
There haven't been fiery and destructive protests.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Workers will be able to relocate from the burning universe of bribes to the fiery one of taxes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Viola Davis's wispy, jagged bangs are the perfect accessory to her bob.—
Elise Tabin,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
-
If your coat has a large or jagged tear a few inches long, seek out a professional to try repairing the damage.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The commission said the report overlooks other time-sensitive cases that don't require intake appointments.—
Tim McNicholas,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Allergies are typically marked by itchy, watery eyes, scratchy throat, sneezing, running nose and a cough.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Jan. 2026
-
By Kathleen Felton For The Washington Post Woke up to a sore, scratchy throat?—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prickly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prickly. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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