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
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Recent Examples of thorn
Taking the time at the end of the day to connect as a family and talk about your ‘rose’ and ‘thorn’ at dinner can be a wonderful way to bring everyone closer.
—
Janine Henni, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
The folly of fake coins Counterfeit coins have long been a thorn in the side of the numismatic world and federal authorities.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Janine Henni, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
The folly of fake coins Counterfeit coins have long been a thorn in the side of the numismatic world and federal authorities.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
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In a recent study by Climate Rights International, workers spoke of experiencing excessive sweating, headaches, fever, nausea, heat palpitations, dehydration and temporary vision loss.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Sep. 2025
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Soldiers reported headaches and nausea, leading Congress to cut funding in 2022.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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According to the California Penal Code, a nuisance can be charged as a misdemeanor.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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The recent interference with the European Commission President’s aircraft showed how quickly GPS denial can shift from nuisance to geopolitical signal.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Lawson said Cal Fire makes N-95 masks available to those fighting fires, which can protect firefighters from particulate matter and certain irritants that cause Valley Fever, a fungal infection, Lawson said.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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Clothes worn outside can carry pollen, dust and other irritants.—
Rhonda Conner-Warren,
The Conversation,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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There have been frustrations over how long the process has taken, with the leadership uncertainty further complicated by the exit of CEO Alex Mahon over the summer.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
10 Sep. 2025
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Poor Harriet, a gallery assistant who has been harassed since the pilot, gets the brunt of Laura’s frustration.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Leader delights in offering up her belly for rubs or kissing the faces of new friends.—
Jen Reeder,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Lightly dampen the Magic Eraser and rub marks off of your wall, using very light pressure.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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