Thesaurus results for THISTLY

thistly

adjective

Definition of thistly

as in prickly

having leaves or branches which are likely to cause a scratch caught her sleeve on a thistly bush

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thistly

Adjective

Where Thomas is aloof and proud, Erika is prickly and sardonic, excellent tools for protecting a surprisingly fragile heart.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Deepfake memes grant a similar carte blanche to their creators, while introducing even pricklier questions about race and authenticity.

— Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of prickly

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

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

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

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.

Browse Nearby Words

this

thistly

thorax

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

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Synonyms of thistly

adjective

Example Sentences

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