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 Oil, which in recent weeks has been a thorn in the stock market's side, provided the first source of relief Monday. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026 Miami dominated the series against Nashville since Messi’s arrival in 2023, but Nashville has been a thorn in Miami’s side this season. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026 Besides a necklace of thorns, which draws small drops of blood, Kahlo appears to be more focused on the relief of healing. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026 This has been a thorn in the organization’s side since Cunningham was drafted first in 2021. — Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
  1. headache
  2. nuisance
  3. irritant
  4. frustration
  5. rub
Noun
  • Various parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda to treat conditions including headaches, colic, dropsy, rheumatism, nervous agitation, constipation, dyspepsia, and infections of the eye and throat.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The Bruins’ biggest headache could be 6-foot-5 tight end Jamari Johnson, who caught seven passes for 159 yards against USC, particularly with all three of UCLA’s starting cornerbacks shorter than 6 feet.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of headache
Noun
  • For homeowners who have spent decades building equity, failing windows are more than a nuisance.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Legal experts on the other side question the notion that a public nuisance can be defined so broadly to include both the sale of a legal product and the impact on carbon pollution, much of it coming from China and India.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of nuisance
Noun
  • Their wavelike motion helps move around germs, mucus, dust, and other irritants so the body can dispel them via coughing or sneezing.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The outcomes are shrouded in mystery, a particular irritant for leadership teams obsessed with data and clarity.
    — Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of irritant
Noun
  • Players slapped each other’s helmets in frustration while angry voices carried from the sideline.
    — D’Joumbarey Moreau, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Rubin acknowledged the union’s frustrations in a response to the no-confidence vote, but said there were no funds available to increase overtime.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of frustration
Noun
  • What’s more, the mixes can be used straight from the envelope as a dry rub for meat, as a base for dips, or even as a popcorn seasoning.
    — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Phillips did his signature celebration — an exaggerated belly rub — which immediately caught the attention of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 1 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 10 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on thorn

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thorn

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