as in headaches
something that is a source of irritation
your constant questions are a thorn in my side
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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
Odor is a botanical defense mechanism as much as thistles and thorns.
—
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026
Get Tough Purchase ones made from cowhide, goatskin, or pigskin leather or abrasion-resistant canvas that will be harder for thorns to penetrate.
—Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
These thorns, known as dendrites, have been difficult to study and understand – until now.
—New Atlas, 13 Mar. 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, 11 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
Beyond the trees a fence of thorns.
—Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026
Get Tough Purchase ones made from cowhide, goatskin, or pigskin leather or abrasion-resistant canvas that will be harder for thorns to penetrate.
—Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
These thorns, known as dendrites, have been difficult to study and understand – until now.
—New Atlas, 13 Mar. 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, 11 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
Beyond the trees a fence of thorns.
—Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorns
Noun
-
This assortment also offers pain relief solutions from head to toe for headaches, bunion support and more, plus wellness hacks from a tongue scraper to compression gear.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Mar. 2026
-
In addition to vomiting blood, Chris also has suffered from nose bleeds, headaches, chest pain and weakness.—
Amy Lavalley,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The most common complaints from Hers reviewers on Trustpilot and the BBB involve frustrations around figuring out how to cancel a subscription, shipping delays and the strict return policy (with refunds rarely given).—
Rebecca Strong,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Murphy has vented frustrations about Congress taking a back seat since the initial strikes against Iran started a month ago, despite the body’s constitutional authority to declare war.—
Lisa Hagen,
Hartford Courant,
25 Mar. 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
-
There certainly are harmful chemicals, carcinogens, toxins, heavy metals, respiratory irritants and other things inside of there that certainly can cause immediate harm.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
-
That's because these substances accumulate quickly in bedding and create an ideal environment for dust mites and other irritants.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thorns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorns. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
