as in headaches
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 thorns
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
However, some homeowners may be wary of planting roses because of their heavy thorns—especially in households with children or pets.
—
Samantha Johnson,
Martha Stewart,
15 June 2026
Often reaching up to six feet tall, these bushes, also known as brambles, have sharp thorns covering their branches.
—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
10 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
Other diamonds have spikier settings resembling thorns.
—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
27 May 2026
Thanks to four layers of latex and a 3750D elastic outer fabric, the inner hose is protected from pesky things like thorns and sharp corners.
—
Quincy Bulin,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 May 2026
Removing the thorns may help our favorite novels appeal to a wider audience, but such refinements make art feel as lifeless as Catherine Linton’s corpse at the end of Emerald Fennell’s film.
—
Literary Hub,
14 May 2026
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
However, some homeowners may be wary of planting roses because of their heavy thorns—especially in households with children or pets.
—
Samantha Johnson,
Martha Stewart,
15 June 2026
Often reaching up to six feet tall, these bushes, also known as brambles, have sharp thorns covering their branches.
—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
10 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
Other diamonds have spikier settings resembling thorns.
—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
27 May 2026
Thanks to four layers of latex and a 3750D elastic outer fabric, the inner hose is protected from pesky things like thorns and sharp corners.
—
Quincy Bulin,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 May 2026
Removing the thorns may help our favorite novels appeal to a wider audience, but such refinements make art feel as lifeless as Catherine Linton’s corpse at the end of Emerald Fennell’s film.
—
Literary Hub,
14 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorns
Noun
-
But the departures are often bigger PR headaches than operational ones.
-
But the move enabled Florida to lock in what will be one of the best top-six forward groups in the league, slotting Brady Tkachuck into the left wing spot on the second line alongside center Sam Bennett and right wing Matthew Tkachuk that will cause opponents major headaches.
Noun
-
Those frustrations could be on the verge of boiling over.
-
South Africa has a history of xenophobic violence as migrants from poor nations like Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi generally end up settling in impoverished communities in South Africa where unemployment and frustrations are high.
Noun
-
Besides being nuisances, many types carry diseases including West Nile virus, encephalitis, and canine heartworm.
-
If the nuisances continue at Albany Care, the city is seeking a court order to shut the facility down, separate from the state action.
Noun
-
Exposure to other irritants, such as dust, chemicals and pollution, can also cause it.
-
And for little ones with whose cheeks might be chafed due to diaper rash, the Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste helps seal out wetness and irritants to protect skin.
Cite this Entry
“Thorns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorns. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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