thorny

adjective

ˈthȯr-nē How to pronounce thorny (audio)
Definition of thornynext
1
as in jagged
having leaves or branches which are likely to cause a scratch stay out of the thorny brambles unless you want a ton of scratches

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
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

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 thorny Lee has expanded upon his earlier, unrealized portrait of a couple in crisis to craft a thorny study of two couples — one affected by brutal downsizing, the other leading a lavish lifestyle with seemingly everything at their disposal. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026 Even the most adept communicators can struggle with the monumental task of messaging such a thorny, systemic and ever-changing issue. — Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Connecting people with clinical trials is complicated — even if people identify a promising match, there’s a slew of potentially thorny factors, including geographic incompatibility, and financial and time considerations. — Michelle Andrews, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026 The document provides an analysis for the thorny legal scenario in which a state prosecutor may pursue charges against a federal agent for alleged misconduct while on duty. — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thorny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorny
  1. jagged
  2. difficult
  3. prickly
  4. tough
  5. scratchy
  6. sensitive
  7. problematic
  8. complicated
Adjective
  • In a nuclear reactor or radiation shield, neutrons and photons travel across jagged edges, dense metals, fluids, and empty voids.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
  • One armrest broke, and his fist hit jagged plastic, fracturing his left hand.
    — Christopher Osher, ProPublica, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of jagged
Adjective
  • Being undefeated after a trio of difficult opening matches can only be seen as a positive, even if Newcastle’s obvious shortcomings require addressing if that run is to be prolonged.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Engineers need flight data on propulsion, aerodynamics, thermal management, guidance and other subsystems under conditions that are difficult to reproduce on the ground.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • Every so often, the British writer-director Mike Leigh makes a movie in which the stars — and the tartly casual dramatic scenes — line up, coalescing into a full-on vision of prickly humanity.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Or from locking up Mick Cronin through 2030, even though UCLA’s prickly basketball coach embarrasses the university annually and hasn’t reached a Sweet 16 since 2023.
    — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of prickly
Adjective
  • Competing in a Grand Tour is one of sport’s toughest endurance tests.
    — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Trump used several minutes of his speech to praise Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is in a tough Senate race in America's largest red state.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • The third round was old-style Gauff, scratchy and inconsistent and grinding her way to victory with her legs, over Cristina Buçsa.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • From removing stubborn stains to softening scratchy towels, vinegar consistently tackles the problems that detergents and fabric softeners sometimes leave behind.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of scratchy
Adjective
  • Tehran has no intention of backing down in the face of an American naval blockade and attacks on its oil tankers, said the official, who asked not to be identified discussing sensitive matters.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the timing of the September meeting is politically sensitive, arriving just ahead of the US midterms.
    — , CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • The lack of an alternative striker to Haaland could be problematic if the 26-year-old misses any significant period, and given Trafford played an important role in City winning two domestic cups last season, Rulli will have a lot to live up to.
    — Sam Lee, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • As the first episode begins, the exultant staffers arrive at work only to find out the office in mourning over the death of a beloved Softees salesman, whose problematic personal life will make the writing of the obit a nightmare of an assignment.
    — Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of problematic
Adjective
  • Downs got a complicated Ohio State defense on the right page, made checks and took away passing lanes by consistently being in the right place.
    — Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Hossain ties up the fate of her complicated protagonist with a neat bow, leaving too many unanswered questions about the backstory and topics raised.
    — Miriam Balanescu, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of complicated

Browse Nearby Words

thorns
thorny
thorough
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Cite this Entry

“Thorny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorny. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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