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
Based on the 2003 roman à clef by Lauren Weisberger, the project was once a thorn in Wintour’s side that threatened to derail her legacy.
—
Matt Donnelly, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
The air campaign was short, Libyan leader and longtime thorn in the side of Washington Moammar Gadhafi was dead within eight months – killed by his own countrymen.
—Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026
The veteran forward has long been a thorn in their side, and has a long history of trying to injure Warriors, and succeeding at it.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
Historically, West Palm Beach’s Keiser University has been a thorn in STU’s side as the Seahawks are 8-0 all-time against the Bobcats.
—Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Matt Donnelly, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
The air campaign was short, Libyan leader and longtime thorn in the side of Washington Moammar Gadhafi was dead within eight months – killed by his own countrymen.
—Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026
The veteran forward has long been a thorn in their side, and has a long history of trying to injure Warriors, and succeeding at it.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
Historically, West Palm Beach’s Keiser University has been a thorn in STU’s side as the Seahawks are 8-0 all-time against the Bobcats.
—Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
-
The headache for employers could be to the benefit of workers, as Huang has previously suggested trades people could soon command six-figure salaries, even early in their career.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
11 May 2026
-
Listeriosis can cause symptoms of fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.—
Chiara Kim,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
For a league still trying to grow its footprint, treating media availability like a nuisance is a curious growth strategy.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
-
The second phase of the proceedings, known as a juryless bench trial, will establish over a three-week period if Meta’s actions created a public nuisance, thus warranting potential product changes.—
Jonathan Vanian,
CNBC,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Caffeine, alcohol and certain acidic or spicy foods can act as bladder irritants for some people.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
1 May 2026
-
Eyssimont made a name for himself with the Tampa Bay Lightning as being an irritant.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Most fans understand that the need for more professional-caliber resources wasn’t going to be met under Mohegan Tribe ownership, but there is deep frustration over the Sun’s relocation out of New England.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
-
But for the residents and business-owners, the possibility of another set of G train outage evoked frustration after two years of service suspensions while crews worked to upgrade the signaling system on the Crosstown Line.—
Evan Simko-Bednarski,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Upgrade your rubs, soups, and pasta with just a sprinkle.—
Katlyn Moncada,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Apr. 2026
-
So whether its a belly rub, a favorite snack, or just a few extra minutes together, National Pet Day is as good as a reason as any to celebrate the ones who make our lives, and our homes, better.—
Kendall Malinchock,
USA Today,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
