as in headaches
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 thorns
Also known as seaberry, Fried says this plant is notable for its resistance to deer because of its sharp thorns and tree-like height.
—
Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 14 Apr. 2026
Use clean pruners to trim away shoots, thorns, or roots along the soil and to help maintain the tree’s size.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
This is a youthful, elegant rose that still has all its thorns.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026
While not thorns, these foliar teeth can take a bite out of those who attempt to cross a thicket of torch aloes.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
These thorns, known as dendrites, have been difficult to study and understand – until now.
—New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2026
Raspberry thorns are soft and fuzzy, and blackberry thorns are meaner and hook-shaped.
—Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 7 Mar. 2026
Lisianthus, sometimes referred to as the rose without thorns, is a favorite among florists and gardeners alike.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 5 Mar. 2026
As a bonus, currant shrubs lack the thorns found on many other berry bushes.
—Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2026
Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 14 Apr. 2026
Use clean pruners to trim away shoots, thorns, or roots along the soil and to help maintain the tree’s size.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
This is a youthful, elegant rose that still has all its thorns.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026
While not thorns, these foliar teeth can take a bite out of those who attempt to cross a thicket of torch aloes.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
These thorns, known as dendrites, have been difficult to study and understand – until now.
—New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2026
Raspberry thorns are soft and fuzzy, and blackberry thorns are meaner and hook-shaped.
—Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 7 Mar. 2026
Lisianthus, sometimes referred to as the rose without thorns, is a favorite among florists and gardeners alike.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 5 Mar. 2026
As a bonus, currant shrubs lack the thorns found on many other berry bushes.
—Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorns
Noun
-
The real story behind one of Texas’ biggest wildlife headaches starts with a decision the state made on purpose.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
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Some journalists draw a line between the government's mounting headaches and its escalating attacks on the messengers of that news.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The power struggle came about after Rivas challenged Rendon, capitalizing on Democrats’ frustrations over changes in committee leadership and Rendon’s shelving of a single-payer health care bill.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
22 Apr. 2026
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The vision conceived by museum director and Chief Executive Michael Govan and architect Peter Zumthor is not perfect, and brings with it a modest set of frustrations, but as a whole, the installation registers as ravishing and bracingly fresh.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
If data centers eventually are included, for example, neighbors could take a hit due to impacts on electricity costs, water access, industrial noise and other nuisances that can come into play when a megaproject moves in next door.—
David Greising,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
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Not all ants are bad for the garden—some help with soil health and pest control—but fire ants and carpenter ants can be serious nuisances or hazards.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
An open window, your shoes, or even your clothing could bring in pollen or other outdoor irritants.—
Angie Hicks,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Many older people suffer from symptoms that resemble pollen allergies—runny nose and congestion—but the majority of these seniors are actually bothered by other airborne irritants, such as cigarette smoke, perfumes or cleaning products.—
Matt Fuchs,
Scientific American,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thorns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorns. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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