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
  • This is because squash plants produce prickly leaves and stems that rabbits dislike.
    Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 25 Apr. 2026
  • This Japanese type of juniper shrub forms a dense mat of prickly blue-green needles that turn slightly purplish in winter.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • If the stem is still attached or the scar looks jagged and raised, the fruit was likely picked too early and may not be as sweet.
    Sheela Prakash, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026
  • And Cello Pete, who has collaborated with Hersh for years, added much to the proceedings, with his lush string work providing an important counterbalance to Hersh’s jagged guitar lines.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This is a particularly thorny issue because Tesla’s appeal as the only stock that allows people to directly bet on Musk is set to erode soon, with the billionaire’s space and rocket company SpaceX targeting an initial public offering later this year.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Surrounded by a strong ensemble under the direction of Georgette Verdin, Nozicka frankly knocks this thorny role out of the park.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • It’s rightfully associated with fiber, but often wrongly assumed to be as scratchy as twine.
    The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The Best Deals at the Quince Sale If your current towels are limp, scratchy, or just plain uninspired, Quince’s Turkish Classic Bath towels are an instant bathroom upgrade.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 25 Mar. 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 1 May. 2026.

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