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
Buds will fail to open properly, and some of the canes will have multitudes of thorns.
—
Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2025
Kincaid was a consistent thorn in the Patriots’ side, putting together a six-catch, 108-yard effort while only playing on fewer than 60 percent of the team’s offensive snaps.
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
As the rest of the division stumbles — the New York Jets are winless, and the Miami Dolphins have only one win — the Patriots, between Vrabel and Maye, appear to have the building blocks in place to be a thorn in the Bills’ side.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 6 Oct. 2025
Since his introduction in Peacemaker’s first season, the sarcastic, Cheeto-devouring martial arts expert has been one of the sharpest thorns in the sides of the 11th Street Kids.
—Scott Meslow, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2025
Kincaid was a consistent thorn in the Patriots’ side, putting together a six-catch, 108-yard effort while only playing on fewer than 60 percent of the team’s offensive snaps.
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
As the rest of the division stumbles — the New York Jets are winless, and the Miami Dolphins have only one win — the Patriots, between Vrabel and Maye, appear to have the building blocks in place to be a thorn in the Bills’ side.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 6 Oct. 2025
Since his introduction in Peacemaker’s first season, the sarcastic, Cheeto-devouring martial arts expert has been one of the sharpest thorns in the sides of the 11th Street Kids.
—Scott Meslow, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
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Among the opponents are some residents of Alton Road, who say that gating off North Bay Road would worsen the city’s already substantial traffic problems and create headaches for people trying to access their homes.—
Aaron Leibowitz,
Miami Herald,
29 Oct. 2025
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Utilities were stuck with the headache and expense of storing waste themselves, so in 2014, a judge forbade the federal government from continuing to collect the NWF fees.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Wednesday Bye weeks have been mostly a nuisance so far this season.—
Kevin Cusick,
Twin Cities,
25 Oct. 2025
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Usually a last resort, the public nuisance investigation allows the Davidson County District Attorney's Office to bring these actions to criminal court, despite the complaint itself being civil in nature, Aaron said.—
Kirsten Fiscus,
Nashville Tennessean,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The June 14 protests were mostly peaceful until protesters and local law enforcement officers clashed in downtown LA, leading to officers deploying chemical irritants and flash bang grenades at civilians.—
Madeline Armstrong,
Oc Register,
18 Oct. 2025
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Have protective goggles or shatter-resistant glasses (for tear gas or irritants).—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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With appointment supporters in the majority, Canepa expressed frustration.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
29 Oct. 2025
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Now, Kiya Tomlin’s journey into fashion started with frustration.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
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It’s filled with global flavors and spice mixes for a variety of different meals, including barbecue rubs, Mediterranean blends, Italian blends, steak rubs, and more.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
26 Oct. 2025
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The French taxi driver said, That is rub-bish, and threw it on the floor.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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