thorn

noun

ˈthȯrn How to pronounce thorn (audio)
Definition of thornnext
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation your constant questions are a thorn in my side

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Since then, Common Ground has remained a thorn in the side of Johnson and his causes. — Leigh Giangreco, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026 Their similarities end there with Divya becoming a thorn in Isla’s plans all season. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026 In the initial draft that didn't make it into the final episode, Greg touched on how STAGFLATION was a central thorn in the side of this concept. — Cooper Katz McKim, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026 The Dodgers have been a thorn in the Brewers side, but this season feels a bit different. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
  1. headache
  2. nuisance
  3. irritant
  4. frustration
  5. rub
Noun
  • Symptoms can include headache, fever, stiff neck and sensitivity to light.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • However, lead researcher Ferdinand Kuemmeth, an experimental physicist at the University of Regensburg and Copenhagen’s Niels Bohr Institute, argued that the technique solves a looming industrial headache.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of headache
Noun
  • In Shibuya, Halloween festivities were already a nuisance — but now, officials realized there was more to worry about than empty bottles and loud music.
    — Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The residents want a court to rule that Los Angeles must abate the nuisance on its properties, Wurman said.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of nuisance
Noun
  • That benefit is amplified by the addition of 2% ectoin, a protective ingredient that defends skin against external irritants (like pollutants) and internal stressors (like hormonal changes) alike.
    — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Also, prioritize a fragrance-free formula, since fragrance is a common irritant for some people.
    — Sheryl George, Allure, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of irritant
Noun
  • But across this wolf may cry, her breathy delivery becomes so uniform that longing, frustration, and romantic desperation frequently sound indistinguishable.
    — Precious Fondren, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026
  • And rather than allowing his defense to anchor him during challenging games, the wing often allows his frustration to seep into his defensive assignments.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of frustration
Noun
  • The central rub is that China has no choice but to import its soybeans.
    — JOEL WUTHNOW, Foreign Affairs, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The company identified wash, rub and lightfastness testing under ASTM standards as next steps toward product development but did not provide specific test designations or performance grades.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of rub

Browse Nearby Words

thoraxes
thorn
thorniness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on thorn

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thorn

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