PRICKLY Synonyms: 164 Similar and Opposite Words

prickly

adjective

ˈpri-k(ə-)lē

Definition of prickly

as in irritating

causing an unpleasant tingling sensation she tried to ignore the feel of the prickly grass against her skin

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in irritable

easily irritated or annoyed she dreaded having to deal with her prickly boss

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in thorny

having leaves or branches which are likely to cause a scratch waded carefully through the prickly bushes

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as in difficult

requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling a prickly issue that will outrage at least one special interest if not handled delicately

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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 prickly In Lourdes, Leo will be reminded of a prickly abuse case inherited from Pope Francis. — ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026 The film doesn’t canonize Heumann, instead showing her as dedicated leader who is also prickly, brash, and set in her ways. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026 Those perfectly pungent elements rip through the savory pastrami perfectly, infusing every bite with a slightly prickly tang. — Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 9 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for prickly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prickly

Adjective

But for this initial step, Pierre tells mature patients to find a formula that’s gentle, non-irritating, and—if needed—able to remove makeup.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026
The cold temperature will slow down the enzymes and ease the irritating effects.

— Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of irritating

Adjective

Murray says her own experience has made her more understanding when female colleagues seem more tired or irritable than usual, particularly when the behavior is out of character.

— Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 21 Oct. 2026
Could be because for much of the running time, Abrams’ Jay Gardiner is up against what looks like a very large irritable sphincter.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of irritable

Adjective

While draft version histories are not sacred texts, being asked to share them in exchange for exoneration does introduce some thorny social questions about how much writers need to show an audience — or accuser — in order to be trusted.

— T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
Trump has since tried to find an off-ramp to the war in Iran, but Israel’s actions made such peace deal talks thorny.

— Chad de Guzman, Time, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of thorny

Adjective

Jarman, who came in as the defending champion on the event, put together a more difficult routine but was nicked by judges for his execution.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
This is the last remaining game on the schedule that should be very difficult.

— David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of difficult

Adjective

Hundreds of people in Toledo, Ohio, remain evacuated from their homes as officials work to resolve a fiery chemical leak that began Tuesday.

— Lana Zak, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Here was the humble trade unionist, born into extreme poverty, standing up as a fiery-eyed tribune of the workers.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of fiery

Adjective

The latter is more demanding, but might have the best views of those jagged, majestic Dolomites in the region.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Once fished to the brink of extinction globally, sand tiger sharks, that iconic aquarium shark with a jaw of protruding, jagged teeth that only a mother could love, have been increasing in the Boston Harbor over the last decade.

— Asia London Palomba, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of jagged

Adjective

Some highly sensitive issues include relations with the European Union and Russia, but the primary focus will be dealing with corruption.

— JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
There may be time-sensitive observations or decisions that need to be made before any instruction could arrive.

— Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of sensitive

Adjective

Expect a gritty or scratchy feeling, burning, itching, redness, blurred vision during tasks and the sense that something is stuck in the eye.

— Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Every fall wardrobe needs a denim jacket, and this design feels smooth and stretchy rather than stiff and scratchy.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of scratchy

Browse Nearby Words

prickling

prickly

pricks

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Style

“Prickly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prickly. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of prickly

adjective

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