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
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The solution proved to be nearly as irritating as the problem.—
Jelani Cobb,
New Yorker,
14 June 2025
-
The most prevalent active ingredients in the videos were not only irritating, but are also known to increase sun sensitivity.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
10 June 2025
Adjective
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But a new wrench is thrown into the works in the form of an irritable downstairs neighbor.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
27 June 2025
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And getting swept at home by a losing club, the Miami Marlins, would make anyone a tad irritable and hypersensitive.—
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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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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Northrop Grumman saw some fiery drama during a test of a more powerful version of the solid rocket booster that would be used if NASA’s Artemis program ever gets to its ninth launch using the beleaguered Space Launch System rocket.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 June 2025
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With Mercury in Leo trining Saturn in your fiery territory, your self-confidence is at an all-time high.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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When Squid Game first flung us into its arena of despair, questioning the status quo was the series’ fuel, and its narrative rhythm had the jagged urgency of that initial run of Red Light, Green Light.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
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Another photo features a marshal with a long-range precision rifle mounted on a bipod, stationed on jagged ground with dramatic peaks in the backdrop.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
24 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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Say goodbye to the scratchy feel and five o’clock shadow.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
23 June 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Prickly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prickly. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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