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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
This tree is notorious for being highly invasive, often cross-pollinating with other pear varieties, resulting in dense, thorny thickets that disrupt local ecosystems.
—
Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 Apr. 2026
Lean into what's moving easily, and where things feel stuck or thorny, and navigate with dignity rather than force.
—Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
Over the years, research has attempted to answer the thorny question of how much homework is appropriate, with varying degrees of success.
—Ariel Gilreath, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026
Its large, thorny stems creep out from the base of the plant to form a thicket.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorny
Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 Apr. 2026
Lean into what's moving easily, and where things feel stuck or thorny, and navigate with dignity rather than force.
—Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
Over the years, research has attempted to answer the thorny question of how much homework is appropriate, with varying degrees of success.
—Ariel Gilreath, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026
Its large, thorny stems creep out from the base of the plant to form a thicket.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorny
Adjective
-
The plane hitting the water is destructive enough without the help of a jagged coral reef (improbably far from any coastline) slicing through the aircraft’s undercarriage.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
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Known for their jagged peaks, glacial lakes, and vast icefields, the Canadian Rockies are among the world’s most stunning mountain ranges, forming a natural divide between Alberta and British Columbia.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Combining all of this in one material has been difficult because thermal control and signal control rely on very different properties.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
3 May 2026
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Despite the removal of material, the architecture can result in a busy design and potentially make reading the time difficult.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
3 May 2026
Adjective
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Meryl Streep‘s Miranda Priestly has always resisted easy categorization, as a prickly boss whose foundation is ultimately much more understanding.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
2 May 2026
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Scott stars as a prickly author who visits an Irish hotel haunted by a witch and also gets embroiled in a murder mystery.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Lightly coated with oil and tossed occasionally in a searing hot skillet or wok, even tough beans turn silky, and ready to coat in a finishing blast of chiles.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 May 2026
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Comfortable travel can be achieved with stretchy, breathable pants, but securing a pair that hits those marks while looking stylish can be tough.—
Rachel Trujillo,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
It’s rightfully associated with fiber, but often wrongly assumed to be as scratchy as twine.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
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The Best Deals at the Quince Sale If your current towels are limp, scratchy, or just plain uninspired, Quince’s Turkish Classic Bath towels are an instant bathroom upgrade.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
That's because the edges of your vision are more sensitive to light.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
3 May 2026
-
Dick and Tweety became a formidable team in running Camp Mystic – he the unquestioned leader who oversaw all operations and she the sensitive surrogate mother for campers.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
3 May 2026
Adjective
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Some content creators are compensated, and this also creates problematic incentives in the system.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
27 Apr. 2026
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That’s not just problematic for poorer communities but also for affluent suburbs like Cheshire that get sparse state funding.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Alabama faces a complicated situation due to years of litigation over its congressional districts.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
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Goldie, born Clifford Price in Walsall, England, in 1965, had a complicated childhood.—
Ben Cardew,
Pitchfork,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thorny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorny. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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