as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
this promises to be a spiny problem to negotiate
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spiny
Leatherbacks have spiny papillae lining their mouth and esophagus.
—
Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
Some of these spiny characters, such as the field thistle, are native nectar sources for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2025
This medium-sized toad, found in the Khumbu region, is distinguished by its large, flat head and spiny skin.
—Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
Medium spiny neurons play an important role in habit formation, the process by which a behavior becomes automatic and habitual – think compulsions.
—Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spiny
Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
Some of these spiny characters, such as the field thistle, are native nectar sources for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2025
This medium-sized toad, found in the Khumbu region, is distinguished by its large, flat head and spiny skin.
—Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
Medium spiny neurons play an important role in habit formation, the process by which a behavior becomes automatic and habitual – think compulsions.
—Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spiny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiny
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
-
Even these young players already have major tournament experience — a huge strength given their tough group.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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Nor is anything that tough necessary to prevent chronic illness.—
Carolyn Rosenblatt,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
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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The larvae are usually about an 1/8-inch long, tan and covered in hairy bristles.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
22 June 2025
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This isn’t the first time that forest-dwelling creatures inspired by Nordic folklore have become a global pop-culture sensation in the form of collectible hairy figurines that are grotesque and cute at the same time.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Our formulas are oxybenzone-free, water- and sweat-resistant, and designed lightweight unlike typical sport sunscreens that leave you feeling sticky or break down in the heat of competition.—
Dave Knox,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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But what really wowed us was how easily the sticky stuff washed away from the pan.—
Mark Marino,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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The Medicaid issue has been a thorny one for the GOP, dividing the party.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
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The China accord Lutnick described is far from a comprehensive trade deal that addresses thorny questions about fentanyl trafficking and American exporters’ access to Chinese markets.—
Danny Bakst,
Fortune,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Storied but problematic luxury Italian sports carmaker Maserati is not for sale; yet.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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What really matters is Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s problematic language -- specifically, his casual gendering of the American B-2 bombing crews.—
Becket Adams,
National Review,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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And the touchscreen, although not the quickest, wasn’t overly complicated either.—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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Over and over, Victor argues for the emotional experience of suffering, that recovering from terrible trauma is genuinely complicated.—
Paul A. Thompson,
Pitchfork,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiny. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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