thorny

adjective

ˈthȯr-nē How to pronounce thorny (audio)
thornier; thorniest
Synonyms of thornynext
1
: full of thorns
2
: full of difficulties or controversial points : ticklish
a thorny problem
thorniness noun

Synonyms of thorny

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Examples of thorny in a Sentence

stay out of the thorny brambles unless you want a ton of scratches
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.
The funding of the military has become a thorny issue in the UK. — Philip Aldrick, Fortune, 28 June 2026 But Claire Messud’s history comes to mind for its interest in thorny inheritance. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 2 July 2026 For Americans from Iran, supporting the Iranian national team has been a thorny issue. — Jesus Jiménez, New York Times, 30 June 2026 Whether for disease prevention or enhancement, this kind of work also necessitates destruction of human embryos in the process, which is another ethically thorny area. — Paul Knoepfler, STAT, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for thorny

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thorny was before the 12th century

Rhymes for thorny

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Browse Nearby Words

thorn tree
thorny
thorny acacia
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

thorny

adjective
ˈthȯr-nē How to pronounce thorny (audio)
thornier; thorniest
1
: full of or covered with thorns
thorny rose bushes
2
: full of difficulties
a thorny problem
thorniness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on thorny

Nglish: Translation of thorny for Spanish Speakers

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