as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
your constant questions are a thorn in my side
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Recent Examples of thorn
But the hard-right caucus, typically the House rabble-rousers and thorns in Johnson’s side, are all-in on the rescissions package as vocal supporters of DOGE.
—
Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 12 June 2025
The injunctions have been a thorn in the side of administrations from both parties, with aggrieved parties often filing in specific, favorable courts that would then issue nationwide stays on presidential orders.
—Peter Aitken
hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
For nearly half a century, Iran has been a thorn in the side of the world, killing and maiming American soldiers, butchering Israeli citizens, threatening its neighbors and fostering terror around the world.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2025
The first item on Parks’ list is a pair of $2,500 Gradient Hoop Earrings that are blue and green with turquoise rhinestone thorns.
—Rachel Flynn, People.com, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 12 June 2025
The injunctions have been a thorn in the side of administrations from both parties, with aggrieved parties often filing in specific, favorable courts that would then issue nationwide stays on presidential orders.
—Peter Aitken
hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
For nearly half a century, Iran has been a thorn in the side of the world, killing and maiming American soldiers, butchering Israeli citizens, threatening its neighbors and fostering terror around the world.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2025
The first item on Parks’ list is a pair of $2,500 Gradient Hoop Earrings that are blue and green with turquoise rhinestone thorns.
—Rachel Flynn, People.com, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
-
Some headaches are related to muscle tension and can be triggered by stress.9 Hot showers or baths promote relaxation.—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
9 July 2025
-
These can seem like a real headache for a sole trader who does not have an HR department to take care of all this for them.—
Peter Boolkah,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
The city’s multidisciplinary public task force, established in August 2023, was formed to investigate businesses and properties that have public safety concerns and city ordinance violations like nuisances and municipal offenses.—
PJ Green
July 10,
Kansas City Star,
10 July 2025
-
There is also an AI consultant… who probably would have come in handy last season dealing with the artificial intelligence nuisances that were Ainsley and Jankie.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
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Reducing exposure to irritants like chlorine can be helpful there.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
9 July 2025
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Many have been peaceful, but some have resulted in clashes with law enforcement as officers made arrests and used chemical irritants to disperse crowds.—
Khaleda Rahman
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 June 2025
Noun
-
Clark voiced her frustration that one of her teammates wasn’t spending enough time in the gym.—
Elise Devlin,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
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Just ask Paige Spiranac, former LPGA hopeful turned golf influencer, who recently took it to X to voice her frustration.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
The prep was a bit basic (trim excess fat and apply dry rub), forgoing brisket basics like rubbing the meat with mustard as a binder for the seasoning, but still forgivable.—
Chris Morris,
Fortune,
3 July 2025
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Earlier in the day, Jane revealed that Combs enjoyed unwinding with foot rubs and episodes of his favorite show, Dateline.—
Janelle Griffith,
People.com,
10 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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