as in headaches
something that is a source of irritation
your constant questions are a thorn in my side
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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
-
Plan ahead as much as possible Nailing down all the angles of your trip ahead of time can save you both a lot of headaches and a significant amount of money.—
Becca Stanek,
TheWeek,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The birds, federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, have become yearly headaches for neighborhoods around the Metroplex as the birds flock to residential areas to nest.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Teenagers scaled Budapest’s iconic Chain Bridge and blasted revolutionary anthems by artists whose songs captured young people’s frustrations with the regime.—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Brown voiced his frustrations with the Eagles’ passing offense during the regular season, then engaged in a screaming match with Sirianni during Philadelphia’s first-round playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The end of the hibernation period in spring brings new bat movement, which means more nuisances for homes with roosts.—
Caden Perry,
jsonline.com,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The Florida law shields shooting ranges, specifically, from being sued as nuisances.—
Christopher Spata,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Natural solutions like baking soda mixed with essential oils or a light vinegar spray for odors and stains are gentler alternatives that avoid introducing new irritants into your sleep environment.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
10 Apr. 2026
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That means every room your kids sleep, play and eat in gets a fresh dose of dust particles and irritants — especially important if anyone in the house has allergies or asthma.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thorns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorns. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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