thorn

noun

ˈthȯrn How to pronounce thorn (audio)
Definition of thornnext
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation your constant questions are a thorn in my side

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of thorn However, no amount of personal story can pluck out the thorn in our side that Janet versus Danny. — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 30 July 2026 If Tesfaye’s condition had been identified when that thorn first pierced his skin 17 years ago, his treatment would have begun then. — Borna Nyaoke-Anoke, STAT, 30 July 2026 Since her arrival, Claire has been a thorn in Quinn’s side, constantly pushing her to go back to New York, as for her, Ransom Canyon is little more than a dying town. — Barry Levitt, Time, 23 July 2026 Blackthorn salt was filtered through something called a tower of thorns. — Literary Hub, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
  1. headache
  2. nuisance
  3. irritant
  4. frustration
  5. rub
Noun
  • Martínez was a headache to both pitchers, hitting a grand slam against Sandlin and finishing with a career-high six RBIs as the Guardians defeated the Sox 8-2.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • This lounge set will give you one less headache on travel day.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of headache
Noun
  • Bots were once a fairly small portion of traffic and primarily treated as a threat or a nuisance; today, around 57% of web traffic consists of bots, according to Cloudflare’s chief strategy officer, Stephanie Cohen.
    — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Powerful running and high work rate made Rutter a nuisance to Brighton’s opponents, but his form and confidence nosedived last season.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of nuisance
Noun
  • Sharks are known to rub against reefs, sand, rocks and even the seafloor to remove irritants.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Powder emitted from an airbag deployment in Hampton’s car could have been an irritant to Hampton’s eyes, Brissette suggested.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
Definition of irritant
Noun
  • Survivors have expressed frustration and criticized the Japanese government's support for nuclear deterrence for being insincere.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has not publicly commented on their investigation for weeks, deferring questions to the district attorney — who acknowledged the public’s frustration.
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of frustration
Noun
  • That’s especially true for heavy rub lines that connect bedding areas and food sources.
    — Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Chicken thighs seasoned with a bright lemon-herb rub roast briefly before apple wedges, slices of delicata squash (no peeling required), and fennel seeds go into the pan.
    — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of rub

Browse Nearby Words

thoraxes
thorn
thorniness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on thorn

Nglish: Translation of thorn for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thorn

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