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
One was treated for minor injuries, likely from rose-bush thorns, Christensen said.
—
David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2025
Rare African plants will also be in the exhibit, including African thorn trees, Nubian dragon trees and kokerboom trees.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
Nearly ten months later, that tycoon Jimmy Lai – a pro-democracy firebrand and persistent thorn in Beijing’s side – remains behind bars.
—Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025
Turnover remains a thorn in the retail industry’s side.
—Michael Spataro, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorn
David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2025
Rare African plants will also be in the exhibit, including African thorn trees, Nubian dragon trees and kokerboom trees.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
Nearly ten months later, that tycoon Jimmy Lai – a pro-democracy firebrand and persistent thorn in Beijing’s side – remains behind bars.
—Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025
Turnover remains a thorn in the retail industry’s side.
—Michael Spataro, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
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The fight over transit funding is just one part of a bigger headache—Pennsylvania’s budget is more than nine weeks late.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
4 Sep. 2025
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Symptoms of Chagas disease include fever, fatigue, body aches, headache, rash, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and eyelid swelling.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Couples who respect yellow lights tend to build trust, because hesitation is treated as valuable input, not as a nuisance.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
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In this era of college athletics what was once a nuisance and an annoyance — college classes — now often appear to not even be a part of the equation.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The test identifies over 120 allergens, including food intolerances, environmental triggers, and household irritants.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
6 Sep. 2025
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This product can turn into a big irritant if ingested or inhaled, and cause several digestive or respiratory issues.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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As the Supreme Court increasingly shows frustration with the overreach of lower court judges, the justices could be motivated to take up cases more quickly on matters where lower courts are ignoring their emergency docket orders, such as with the firing of independent agency heads.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Sep. 2025
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Advocates expressed frustration, emphasizing the need for comfortable and safe air travel for all passengers.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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There are also four new dry rubs designed to broaden flavor choices for consumers for football season.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
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There’s a fundamental rub that’s talked about in every boardroom, according to a person with knowledge of these conversations, who asked to remain unnamed to speak about private discussions.—
Leslie Picker,
CNBC,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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