thistly

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
Adjective
  • The noodles vibrate with heat, ricocheting between the prickly Sichuan pepper, hot garlic, chiles and soothing sesame.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The accent was particularly important to get right, as Heumann’s Brooklyn upbringing was a huge part of her life, and indicative of her prickly personality.
    — Kristen Lopez, IndieWire, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • John Homme sings at the jagged, forlorn beginning of the ninth Queens of the Stone Age album.
    — Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2026
  • As with his previous films, Iñárritu tells his story using scenes out of order so that the pieces fall together in a jagged form that heightens the tension.
    — Ray Bennett, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Inspired by imagery in the folkloric tome Grimms’ Fairy Tales, the lights mimic thorny bushes like blackthorn and rose, both used in witchcraft.
    — Francesca Perry, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
  • But their 20-3 loss to the Seahawks (4-3) was so thorough, unsightly and disillusioning as to render the 5-0 run-up to it entirely suspect — especially considering the Chiefs’ thorny schedule ahead.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • How To Air Dry Jeans Properly One of the downfalls that comes with air drying jeans is ending up with a pair that feels stiff or scratchy.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2026
  • 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
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Thistly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thistly. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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