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
Those changes, the result of Beijing’s national strategy to control health-care costs, have been a thorn in the side of companies like Danaher and ex-Club holding Abbott Labs .
—
Zev Fima, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025
Often a thorn in the side of leadership, Massie is unlikely to strike any deal with leadership to avoid a vote on releasing the Epstein files.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 11 Oct. 2025
Buds will fail to open properly, and some of the canes will have multitudes of thorns.
—Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2025
As the rest of the division stumbles — the New York Jets are winless, and the Miami Dolphins have only one win — the Patriots, between Vrabel and Maye, appear to have the building blocks in place to be a thorn in the Bills’ side.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Zev Fima, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025
Often a thorn in the side of leadership, Massie is unlikely to strike any deal with leadership to avoid a vote on releasing the Epstein files.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 11 Oct. 2025
Buds will fail to open properly, and some of the canes will have multitudes of thorns.
—Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2025
As the rest of the division stumbles — the New York Jets are winless, and the Miami Dolphins have only one win — the Patriots, between Vrabel and Maye, appear to have the building blocks in place to be a thorn in the Bills’ side.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
-
For the patents on some of Novo Nordisk’s hero products in certain regions to be running out is an inevitable headache—companies can only hold them for so long before competitors are able to launch their own products.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other ailments.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
An Orange County judge granted the city of Santa Ana’s request for a preliminary injunction against several businesses on East First Street accused of being public nuisances.—
Mona Darwish,
Oc Register,
8 Nov. 2025
-
According to the American Mosquito Control Association, mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but also a public health concern, capable of carrying diseases like West Nile virus.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Another standout feature is its CertiPur-US and Greenguard Gold certifications, which mean it’s made without harmful materials and won’t release irritants that can trigger allergies.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
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Nearby, other agents fire chemical irritants into the ground to keep bystanders away, appearing to cause some people to cough, the video shows.—
Nicquel Terry Ellis,
CNN Money,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The thumping Republicans took in this week's elections reflected longer-running anger among constituencies that already leaned Democratic, but the GOP needs to worry that the government shutdown will cause that frustration to spread.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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One person familiar with Tuesday’s heated discussion within the caucus says there appears to be at least eight Democratic votes to reopen the government — even though progressive Democratic senators vented their frustration with the potential deal.—
Alexander Bolton,
The Hill,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The writing dances on a knife-edge as religious piety and saintly delusion rub elbows.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Specifically, customers can choose from sauces like Garlic Parmesan, Honey BBQ, Buffalo Mild, Spicy Garlic, Buffalo Medium, Sweet Chili and Buffalo Burnin’ Hot or dry rubs including Lemon Pepper and Cajun-Style.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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