THORNS Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

thorns

noun

plural of thorn

as in headaches

something that is a source of irritation your constant questions are a thorn in my side

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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 thorns Blackthorn salt was filtered through something called a tower of thorns. — Literary Hub, 22 July 2026 According to Fried, songbirds especially like this tree’s fruit, which is reminiscent of blackberries but without the seeds or thorns. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 July 2026 Worst of all, these trees have become invasive, crossing with other Callery cultivars to create wild hybrids that produce four-inch-long thorns. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 July 2026 And as Jones notes, much of that is due to the actors who’ve thrown themselves into the characters, thorns and all. — Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026 Later, after a half-day tour to the nearby towns of Lampa and Pucará, the team made magic again, with a lunch in a forest of towering Puya raimondii, otherworldly bromeliads with thorns like piranha teeth. — Chris Schalkx, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026 An individual bush can grow up to 15 feet high and 40 feet long, with thick stems, also known as canes, marked by sharp, hooked thorns. — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 25 June 2026 The match was set, and now Rhodes will defend the title against the two thorns in his side since before Clash in Italy. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026 Some have thorns or spines, others have poisonous leaves or berries, and still others have…elaborate chemical defense alarm systems? — Regina G. Barber, NPR, 3 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorns

Noun

And with peak travel season underway, millions of people may have to contend with this disorienting condition, which can cause sleep disturbances, daytime tiredness, headaches and nasty gastrointestinal symptoms.

— Laura Ungar, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026
If this is the case for your child, there aren’t only headaches in your future.

— Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 25 July 2026

Definition of headaches

Noun

While the frustrations of Ellison; his father, Larry Ellison, the Oracle billionaire and deal backer; and others in the Paramount camp have taken center stage in recent days, WBD also faces a difficult path.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 24 July 2026
Whether that happens before the season begins remains to be seen, but James’ decision to sign elsewhere was like tearing a Band-Aid off a fanbase’s long-simmering frustrations about a lackluster offseason.

— Nick Friedell, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of frustrations

Noun

City outlines Robandee nuisances The Robandee was once a neighborhood hub but has since fallen into disrepair and has experienced fires.

— Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
These seemingly minor nuisances are becoming a drain on municipal resources and complicating the rollout of robotaxi service.

— Bloomberg, Mercury News, 14 July 2026

Definition of nuisances

Noun

The signature blend of ceramides works to strengthen and support the skin’s natural barrier, which helps lock in moisture while defending against environmental irritants like pollutants and allergens.

— Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 23 July 2026
After swimming, rinse dogs with fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, algae and other irritants.

— Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 21 July 2026

Definition of irritants

Browse Nearby Words

thorniness

thorns

thorny

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“Thorns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorns. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of thorns

noun

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