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
  • Deepfake memes grant a similar carte blanche to their creators, while introducing even pricklier questions about race and authenticity.
    — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Its signature spice comes from the prickly ginger beer that is both fizzy and cooling.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of prickly
Adjective
  • The trace of bone plates’ fusion remains in jagged lines like black lightning.
    — Daniel Barnum, Longreads, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Furthermore, the whiskers are in front, preventing the drone from detecting sideways obstacles like random jagged branches in a forest.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of jagged
Adjective
  • Trump has since tried to find an off-ramp to the war in Iran, but Israel’s actions made such peace deal talks thorny.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
  • And although the lack of communication between the family and the foundation has sowed its fair share of discord, the situation is a bit thornier than that.
    — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of thorny
Adjective
  • Expect a gritty or scratchy feeling, burning, itching, redness, blurred vision during tasks and the sense that something is stuck in the eye.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Every fall wardrobe needs a denim jacket, and this design feels smooth and stretchy rather than stiff and scratchy.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 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 26 Oct. 2026.

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