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as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
the candidate tried to avoid discussing his views on the thorny issue
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of thorny
While Latin America, the United Kingdom and Middle East have all had positive market share gains, challenges in other key markets are proving thornier.
—
Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 28 Jan. 2026
If the plaintiff has been paying fees hourly over several years, the tax issues are thorny.
—Robert W. Wood, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Phase two will tackle thornier issues including opening the Rafah crossing for Palestinians, deploying international forces and transitioning Gaza’s governance structure.
—Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
The thorniest issue is expected to be disarming Hamas.
—Jordana Miller, ABC News, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorny
Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 28 Jan. 2026
If the plaintiff has been paying fees hourly over several years, the tax issues are thorny.
—Robert W. Wood, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Phase two will tackle thornier issues including opening the Rafah crossing for Palestinians, deploying international forces and transitioning Gaza’s governance structure.
—Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
The thorniest issue is expected to be disarming Hamas.
—Jordana Miller, ABC News, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorny
Adjective
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These handheld masterpieces may come with jagged edges and some discrepancy in hole size, but the flavor and texture are perfect every time.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Located in Jackson Hole, this serene landscape is home to glistening lakes, jagged terrain, and beautiful moose, mule deer, bison, and elk.—
Giovanna Caravetta,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Training and case management through FRAP is supposed to help attorneys deal with what Clegg calls a difficult area of law.—
Raynee Howell,
Oklahoma Watch,
9 Feb. 2026
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Will this race and the other changes create an opportunity for NASCAR to turn the page on its difficult 2025?—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Trapped in a prickly relationship with a cactus, his life changes overnight when Swift sprays herself with Opalite and is magically transported into his living room.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Surrounded by vast desert, the long and windy road that leads to Nancy Guthrie’s home in the Catalina Foothills is dotted with prickly cacti and attractive houses.—
Amanda Musa,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Most importantly, Alvarado relishes in his role as a tough-nosed, point-of-attack defender, an area the Knicks have had trouble despite building a roster with notable defenders across all positions.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
5 Feb. 2026
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With a durable and tough rubber sole featuring Vibram's TC5+ technology, each step offers the right amount of flex and resistance for a comfortable hiking experience.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Overdosing detergent and allowing the soapy residue to become trapped along with body soil leaves fabrics stiff and scratchy.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Dry winter air can leave you with cracked, peeling skin, gritty eyes, and a scratchy throat.—
Abby Norman,
Verywell Health,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The new revelations include documents suggesting Mandelson shared sensitive government information with Epstein after the 2008 global financial crisis.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The new revelations include documents suggesting Mandelson shared sensitive government information with Epstein after the 2008 global financial crisis.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But other parts of her story were problematic.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
-
But other parts of her story were problematic.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But looming is the question of whether the federal immigration officers who pulled the triggers in both cases actually broke the law, a question that will come down to complicated issues that are much harder to define than the outrage that prompted calls for accountability.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
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Readers send Miss Manners not only their table and party questions, but those involving the more complicated aspects of life - romance, work, family relationships, child-rearing, death - as well as philosophical and moral dilemmas.—
Judith Martin,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thorny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorny. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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