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
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
From tree stumps and rocks, the spiny reptiles basked and watched as wooden fences subdivided the landscape.
—Sean Greene, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Every late November and early December, the Anegada Lobster Festival takes the island's year-round lobster love and turns it into an obsession, with local restaurants featuring special dishes and plenty of events making the spiny Anegada lobster the star of the show.
—Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spiny
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
From tree stumps and rocks, the spiny reptiles basked and watched as wooden fences subdivided the landscape.
—Sean Greene, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Every late November and early December, the Anegada Lobster Festival takes the island's year-round lobster love and turns it into an obsession, with local restaurants featuring special dishes and plenty of events making the spiny Anegada lobster the star of the show.
—Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spiny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiny
Adjective
-
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
-
Even these young players already have major tournament experience — a huge strength given their tough group.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
-
However, generally speaking, insoluble fiber is commonly found in whole grains, bran, legumes, nuts, seeds, produce skins, and tough vegetables and fruits.—
Mara Santilli,
SELF,
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
-
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
-
The larvae are usually about an 1/8-inch long, tan and covered in hairy bristles.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
22 June 2025
-
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
-
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
-
Some have risked their lives and their livelihoods to cover thorny issues affecting their home countries.—
David Folkenflik,
NPR,
21 June 2025
-
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
-
Storied but problematic luxury Italian sports carmaker Maserati is not for sale; yet.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
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
-
Many of the children have trauma and complicated needs, and one of the responses may be to run away.—
Ginny Monk,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2025
-
And the touchscreen, although not the quickest, wasn’t overly complicated either.—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiny. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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