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 Baydon's tattoo needle is a spiky thorn of a pomelo tree attached to a thin bamboo reed. — Marisol Delarosa, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026 That would be, of course, the dozen attorneys general led by California’s Rob Bonta, whose antitrust lawsuit last month seeking to block the merger has been a thorn in Ellison’s side. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026 But the Vulcan program has been a thorn in ULA’s plans to ramp up launches. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2026 Their kickers’ health and performance for years have been one of the thorns in the team’s side. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
  1. headache
  2. nuisance
  3. irritant
  4. frustration
  5. rub
Noun
  • West Nile symptoms A full 80% of those infected may not show symptoms, but 20% have flu-like symptoms, such as a fever with headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, rash or fatigue.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Cole Burston / Getty Images With so many clubs still in the mix, even scoreboard watching can induce a headache.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of headache
Noun
  • Alas, by disguising themselves in earthling form, these superior beings must submit themselves to the worst indignities of the human condition — namely the frequent need to go to the bathroom and the constant nuisance of dealing with emotions.
    — Cortlyn Kelly, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The petition sought to classify data centers as industrial nuisances, arguing that a ban would protect residents’ property and preserve city resources, such as water and electricity.
    — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of nuisance
Noun
  • As federal agents increasingly used chemical irritants on crowds, Michael Cavlan began spending less time patrolling and more time treating people who’d been hurt.
    — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Carney also said that Washington viewed protections for French and Canadian culture — considered fundamental rights in Canada — as irritants to trade.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of irritant
Noun
  • The frustration within the Democratic caucus immediately prompted some calls for harsh consequences.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The AfD was created in 2013 as a small anti-euro party before morphing into an anti-migrant force that tapped into voter frustration over immigration and the strains many Germans perceive on housing, jobs and public services.
    — Erik Kirschbaum, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of frustration
Noun
  • The five-hour recipe layers flavor at every step, from a dry rub spiked with za’atar and Chinese five-spice to cherry wood smoke, apple juice and honey, and a barbecue sauce with sriracha and rice wine vinegar.
    — Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • In more normal times, there might be one other rub to this convention.
    — Daniel Strauss, Vulture, 3 Sep. 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 10 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on thorn

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thorn

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