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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James is playing the final year of his contract at $52.6 million, which is a very difficult number for teams to pay.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 July 2025
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Any pass to Warren Zaire-Emery in midfield is difficult too, due to Kim pushing out of defence.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
5 July 2025
Adjective
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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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Stark disparities in job opportunities available overall compared to the 25 major contractors may indicate these companies are starting to make tough decisions following DOGE cuts, according to Cory Stahle, the report’s author and economist at the Hiring Lab.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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The thundering crackles and sharp bangs of pyrotechnics can not only frighten dogs but also cause discomfort to their sensitive ears.—
Logan Holland,
People.com,
4 July 2025
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This usually involves receiving a fake text, email or even a phone call designed to trick you into clicking a malicious link or sharing sensitive information.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
4 July 2025
Adjective
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The green leaves are splotched with white and bumpy on the upper side, and the stems are hairy, which deters deer.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
6 July 2025
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Small, hairy hominids emerge — but the twist is that Superman must protect these Mole Men from the prairie mob who want to shoot the outsiders on sight.—
Los Angeles Times Staff,
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 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 11 Jul. 2025.
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