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
Consumer insights like these are a thorn in the side of brands and retailers such as Levi’s, Nudie, and Uniqlo, all of which have devoted significant store space to repair services and invested heavily in promoting and educating consumers about keeping their jeans in use for longer.
—
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 15 Jan. 2026
This season, Xabi Alonso’s team won 2-1 in La Liga at the Bernabeu in October, but Barca have undoubtedly become a thorn in the side of Real Madrid’s latest Galactico project, led by Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
—Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
The Teyana Taylor x Air Jordan 1, her first sneaker collaboration, released in 2023 with a predominantly red colorway featuring green thorns on its Swoosh and a massive removable gold-tone metal charm featuring her initials and a rose.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 12 Jan. 2026
Make sure to wear leather gloves to protect your hands from rose thorns.
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 15 Jan. 2026
This season, Xabi Alonso’s team won 2-1 in La Liga at the Bernabeu in October, but Barca have undoubtedly become a thorn in the side of Real Madrid’s latest Galactico project, led by Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
—Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
The Teyana Taylor x Air Jordan 1, her first sneaker collaboration, released in 2023 with a predominantly red colorway featuring green thorns on its Swoosh and a massive removable gold-tone metal charm featuring her initials and a rose.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 12 Jan. 2026
Make sure to wear leather gloves to protect your hands from rose thorns.
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
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Think peachy-bright, brunchy, and a little flirty without the headache.—
Lanee Lee,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Sonny Fouts, 71, has had a headache, stomachache and trouble sleeping since seeing news reports that the 37-year-old ICU nurse had been fatally shot by ICE agents Saturday, the vet and retired musician told People.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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If fruit flies are a minor nuisance, BHG home pros recommend these strategies to get rid of fruit flies.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 Jan. 2026
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As a recent Forbes Finance Council analysis argues, regulation is not a nuisance to be worked around but a moat to be built—one that rewards fintechs willing to trade short-term speed for long-term trust and defensibility.—
Geri Stengel,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Outside the detention center on Wednesday, Texas state police deployed chemical irritants toward protesters, who had gathered in support of the detainees being held at the facility.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
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Have protective goggles or shatter-resistant glasses (for tear gas or irritants).—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Republican ends Minnesota governor bid over immigration enforcement Chris Madel, a Republican, ended his campaign for Minnesota governor after less than two months, citing frustration with the party and the way federal officials have carried out immigration operations in the state.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
28 Jan. 2026
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Now, nearly in February, frustration and isolation are growing for Rowland and fellow residents.—
Ashley Sharp,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The traditional buffalo, honey BBQ, or house dry rub Jumbo Wings – bone-in chicken served with your choice of sauce and paired with carrots, celery, and bleu cheese dressing – are easy to return to between drives.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
30 Jan. 2026
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After sitting for a few minutes, the original color rubs or peels away to reveal a natural-looking rosy stain.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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