as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
your constant questions are a thorn in my side
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
But then there's Dixie Bennings (LeAnn Rimes), a ruthless country singer and the thorn in Don's side.
—
Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 28 May 2026
So put on some leather gloves to protect you from its vicious thorns and then use hand pruners to cut the plants back by about one-third.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 27 May 2026
Other diamonds have spikier settings resembling thorns.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 27 May 2026
Cuba has been a thorn in the side of the United States for decades, notably including the humiliation of then-President Kennedy over the Bay of Pigs debacle in 1961.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 28 May 2026
So put on some leather gloves to protect you from its vicious thorns and then use hand pruners to cut the plants back by about one-third.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 27 May 2026
Other diamonds have spikier settings resembling thorns.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 27 May 2026
Cuba has been a thorn in the side of the United States for decades, notably including the humiliation of then-President Kennedy over the Bay of Pigs debacle in 1961.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
-
People in the trial reported similar side effects to those from mRNA Covid vaccines — flu-like symptoms including chills and headaches — that only lasted a couple of days.—
Kaitlin Sullivan,
NBC news,
1 June 2026
-
That has the potential to cause real headaches for Carolina, especially with how the former two have played.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Plaskolite was cited for causing a public nuisance, according to AQMD documents.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
When to See a Doctor For the vast majority of new parents, dry skin is a temporary, frustrating nuisance that resolves as your hormones stabilize and your body adjusts to its new rhythm.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Asked about Valdez, Bis said law enforcement deployed chemical irritants including pepper balls, but not rubber bullets, after agitators attempted to breach the perimeter at Glass House Farms.—
Andrea Castillo,
Los Angeles Times,
26 May 2026
-
Health experts said that methyl methacrylate — a flammable plastic epoxy that generates its own heat — is a respiratory irritant and potential exposure could lead to lung, skin and eye irritation, nausea and dizziness.—
Austin Turner,
CBS News,
24 May 2026
Noun
-
Teachers, nurses and doctors across the country regularly sound alarms about being overworked and underfunded, and many end up leaving their public jobs in frustration at impossible conditions.—
Ola Morris Innset,
The Dial,
2 June 2026
-
Big Pharma is betting that its messaging machine can outlast public frustration — lawmakers should call their bluff.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Some consumers find the strap rubs or digs into the back of the heel.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
-
Suitable gifts for this guy—a barbecue blanket for resting meats, or a selection of dry rubs geared to smoking.—
Catharine Kaufman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
