thistly

adjective

Definition of thistlynext
as in prickly
having leaves or branches which are likely to cause a scratch caught her sleeve on a thistly bush

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thistly
  1. prickly
  2. jagged
  3. thorny
  4. scratchy
Adjective
  • In making the series a more unchallenging watch, though, Brunstetter alters some of the novel’s prickliest bits.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 July 2026
  • The show won 10 Emmy Awards during its run, including four for Parsons for playing prickly Sheldon.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026
Definition of prickly
Adjective
  • Sleek and jagged slabs of Italian Ceppo di Gré from ABC Stone clad the wall, cascading down the sink and onto the floors.
    — Alia Akkam, Architectural Digest, 13 July 2026
  • Tour du Mont Blanc across three countries Circling the highest peak in the Alps, the Tour du Mont Blanc crosses France, Italy and Switzerland, delivering high pastures, jagged glaciers and comfortable lodgings at the end of each day.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
Definition of jagged
Adjective
  • The thorny issue of AI will of course be debated with Adriana Ramírez of Megatrax leading the discussion.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 13 July 2026
  • These traits alone don’t make this tree invasive, but the trees began cross-pollinating with other pear species, whose offspring create thorny thickets that smother native plants and habitat.
    — Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2026
Definition of thorny
Adjective
  • Using too much detergent leaves soapy residue in fabrics, trapping dirt, bacteria, and hard water minerals, which leaves clothes looking dull, feeling stiff and scratchy, and smelling bad.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 July 2026
  • While some of my linen pieces feel scratchy, this one is ultra soft and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.
    — Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of scratchy
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

this
thistly
thorax
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Cite this Entry

“Thistly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thistly. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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