as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
your constant questions are a thorn in my side
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of thorn
Despite not scoring, Dembélé was a constant thorn in the side of Inter Milan and set up two goals while also helping to create another during his side’s 5-0 win.
—
David Close, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025
Andrew Greif The Chiefs receiver just made a highlight-worthy catch to put his team in position to score a touchdown and extend its lead to 22-9, but he's been a thorn in the side of New York's defense all night, with five catches for 71 yards, including a touchdown.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 22 Sep. 2025
No, much better to use the tongue like a spoon, or a thorn.
—Courtney Kampa, The Atlantic, 21 Sep. 2025
Kane has been a constant thorn in the Gunners’ side for years, scoring 15 times in 21 meetings against them and scored at the Emirates for Bayern in a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the quarter-finals two years ago.
—Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorn
David Close, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025
Andrew Greif The Chiefs receiver just made a highlight-worthy catch to put his team in position to score a touchdown and extend its lead to 22-9, but he's been a thorn in the side of New York's defense all night, with five catches for 71 yards, including a touchdown.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 22 Sep. 2025
No, much better to use the tongue like a spoon, or a thorn.
—Courtney Kampa, The Atlantic, 21 Sep. 2025
Kane has been a constant thorn in the Gunners’ side for years, scoring 15 times in 21 meetings against them and scored at the Emirates for Bayern in a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the quarter-finals two years ago.
—Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
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If the thought of budgeting gives you a headache, there's another way to approach managing your money without tracking every expense or obsessing over spreadsheets.—
Andreina Rodriguez,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
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Symptoms of the more serious illness include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis, according to the CDC.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Situations like this are certainly a nuisance, but the quickest way to cause animosity with your neighbors is to come between them and their sleep.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
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While many consider the mammal a nuisance for raiding garbage cans and damaging property, raccoons can also carry diseases, and they probably shouldn't be kept as housepets.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Protests broke out in the city Saturday and armed border patrol agents deployed what appeared to be chemical irritants toward protesters.—
Luke Barr,
ABC News,
4 Oct. 2025
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Lawson said Cal Fire makes N-95 masks available to those fighting fires, which can protect firefighters from particulate matter and certain irritants that cause Valley Fever, a fungal infection, Lawson said.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Despite the growing frustration surrounding the play, Payton remains steadfast in his belief that the play should not be outlawed.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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New York — An explosion at a New York City apartment building blew off a floor-to-roof chunk of the high-rise – terrifying residents in the Bronx and fueling frustration and outrage as to how this could have happened.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The call was a classic sprint out with a rub designed to free up the slot receiver.—
Ted Nguyen,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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One deputy applies a sternum rub and checks for a pulse, but does not find one, according to court documents.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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