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
From Callum Turner‘s cheekbones and Fanning’s wide eyes to Keough’s legs and Lukas Gage’s curls, beauty strikes at every turn, yet barely conceals the barbs and thorns such looks envelop here.
—
David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2026
Of two Montana homesteaders at war over a gate installed on a private road, one is a nerd culture YouTuber who directs his fans’ ire toward the ever-present thorn in his side.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
The fungus enters the body through small cuts or puncture wounds, often from rose thorns or splinters.
—Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
In Christianity, its leaves represent the crown of thorns and berries Christ’s blood.
—Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2026
Of two Montana homesteaders at war over a gate installed on a private road, one is a nerd culture YouTuber who directs his fans’ ire toward the ever-present thorn in his side.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
The fungus enters the body through small cuts or puncture wounds, often from rose thorns or splinters.
—Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
In Christianity, its leaves represent the crown of thorns and berries Christ’s blood.
—Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
-
Unexpectedly, though, operators stumbled across an issue with ground support equipment that could cause more headaches for a crucial moon mission that has already slipped at least a month from its target launch date.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Running out of memory, setting up a new phone or simply wanting peace of mind, Picture Keeper removes the headache from backups.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Honeysuckle is considered a nuisance by many homeowners.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
19 Feb. 2026
-
This list includes invasive species that spread across the landscape, smothering everything in their path (like kudzu, of course), as well as fast-growing native species, like trumpet vine and Virginia creeper, which spread quickly and can become a nuisance in yards and gardens.—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Others, like the zero-talent hipster artist (Zach Woods) who refers to himself as the White Basquiat, are merely inconvenient irritants standing in Becket’s way to life on easy street.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
19 Feb. 2026
-
History of Allergies Women with a history of allergies—which includes eczema, food allergies and hay fever—are more likely to get it because their immune systems are more likely to respond to irritants by triggering an inflammatory response.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Rosen has voiced frustration with the prospect of having supported Measure A and still bracing for heavy cuts to his office.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The year before, Jackson had been involved in a demonstration that closed part of the Dan Ryan Expressway, a mass expression of frustration over gun violence.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Popeyes The Popeyes Seafood Menu has returned for a limited time, with four new dry rub options to spice up ala carte Shrimp and Tackle Box.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Rodent rub marks decorated the walls and ceilings.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
