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
But his days as one of five aldermen who said no to Daley’s infamous parking meter deal or a quixotic early thorn to Mayor Rahm Emanuel are long gone.
—
Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025
Throughout this entire period, Congress was a thorn in Obama’s side.
—Edward Fishman, Foreign Affairs, 4 June 2025
Fisher has proven to be a meticulous tactician in managing the long distance events (which have now scaled back to one event), though new entrants Nico Young and Graham Blanks could be thorns in his side.
—Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
The early part of the season indicated Arizona would indeed be a thorn in the side of the Dodgers and one of the best teams in the NL.
—Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025
Throughout this entire period, Congress was a thorn in Obama’s side.
—Edward Fishman, Foreign Affairs, 4 June 2025
Fisher has proven to be a meticulous tactician in managing the long distance events (which have now scaled back to one event), though new entrants Nico Young and Graham Blanks could be thorns in his side.
—Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
The early part of the season indicated Arizona would indeed be a thorn in the side of the Dodgers and one of the best teams in the NL.
—Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
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The variant has similar symptoms to other strains, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion or a runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
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These included headaches, hand pain, forearm pain, nerve damage in his left elbow, fatigue, decreased stamina and erectile dysfunction, according to the lawsuit.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2025
Noun
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Neighbors call in concerned about true nuisances that could affect the enjoyment of their private property.—
Andrew Wimer,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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Reactions to the sudden move varied: Those in the community who considered the festival a nuisance were relieved.—
Adriana Pérez,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2025
Noun
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To ensure your natural deodorant best suits your needs, be sure to read the label for ingredients that are potential irritants, allergens, or unwanted chemicals.—
Laura Harold,
Outside Online,
14 June 2025
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Demonstrations sparked by surprise ICE raids have cropped up across the nation, including in Austin, where police used chemical irritants to disperse several hundred demonstrators.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
11 June 2025
Noun
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The briefings were initially planned for earlier in the week but were postponed, to the frustration of the delegation.—
Lisa Hagen,
Hartford Courant,
28 June 2025
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San Francisco tied it in the top of the third inning when Wilmer Flores, a day removed from his frustrations against Miami, pulled a double down the left-field line that allowed Bailey to score.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
27 June 2025
Noun
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Coat wings in olive oil and add dry rub spreading evenly on both sides.—
Claudia Alarcón,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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Now just napping all day long on the couch with mama and getting free head rubs.—
Andrea Wurzburger,
People.com,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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