thistly

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thistly
Adjective
  • Robert is an accomplished but headstrong gastroenterologist whose demeanor makes Martin’s prickly bedside manner seem warm by comparison.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Glenn took offense to the question, giving a prickly response.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Maah Daah Hey Trail runs for 144 miles, offering some of the best exposure to what’s left of the country’s majestic grasslands, plus surprisingly jagged peaks, rugged plateaus, and ample river crossings.
    Jacqueline Kehoe, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Its alpine-style streets, surrounded by jagged peaks, are lined with breweries and boutique shops.
    Chantelle Kincy, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But coverage can be thorny, especially for weight loss, and some insurers are reducing coverage.
    Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The Magic Kingdom’s Villains Land will include two major attractions, dining and shopping in a dark, devious and thorny land where the evil ambitions of Disney Villains can run wild and their stories can be told.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Overheating, scratchy metal utensils, overzealous scrubbing, and some cooking sprays can damage the surface and shorten the pan's lifespan.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Order a drink and enjoy some popcorn and the jukebox spinning scratchy 45s of standards from the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
    Peter Cameron, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
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

Cite this Entry

“Thistly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thistly. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!