spiny

adjective

ˈspī-nē How to pronounce spiny (audio)
spinier; spiniest
Synonyms of spinynext
1
: abounding with difficulties, obstacles, or annoyances : thorny
spiny problems
2
: covered or armed with spines
broadly : bearing spines, prickles, or thorns
3
: slender and pointed like a spine
spininess noun

Synonyms of spiny

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Examples of spiny in a Sentence

this promises to be a spiny problem to negotiate
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In its place urchin barrens now carpet the seafloor; a spiny, silent landscape stripped of life. — Tatjana Baleta, Time, 28 May 2026 There, the tide pools blanketed with the spiny creatures awaited. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 20 Apr. 2026 The plant is easily identified by its rampant growth in the spring and its spiny globular fruit. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026 The flowers of jimson weeds are white or violet and trumpet-shaped, producing a spiny fruit. — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spiny

Word History

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spiny was in 1586

Phrases Containing spiny

Rhymes for spiny

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Browse Nearby Words

spin wave
spiny
spiny amaranth
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Cite this Entry

“Spiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spiny. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spiny

adjective
ˈspī-nē How to pronounce spiny (audio)
spinier; spiniest
1
: full of difficulties, obstacles, or problems : thorny
2
: having or covered with spines, thorns, or prickles
spininess noun

More from Merriam-Webster on spiny

Nglish: Translation of spiny for Spanish Speakers

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