thorn

noun

ˈthȯrn How to pronounce thorn (audio)
Definition of thornnext
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation your constant questions are a thorn in my side

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 thorn Grace Carroll gives a poignant performance as the Nightingale—borne aloft with arched back and trembling, outstretched hands by other dancers, who play thorns that pierce her breast—and Adam Elmes makes a seductively sinister Dorian Gray. — Hannah Aizenman, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026 The Parquet Courts frontman has launched the group Iconic Fugues with a two-pronged track that’s surely relatable to anyone who has a rose and a thorn of the past year. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026 The shrubs, ranging from deer brush to white thorn shrub, are incredibly good at resprouting, Young said. — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026 The young professor quickly became a favorite of the students (including Alice Walker and Marian Wright Edelman) and a thorn in the side of the college administration. — Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
  1. headache
  2. nuisance
  3. irritant
  4. frustration
  5. rub
Noun
  • Those headaches create headwinds, but the underlying story provides support.
    — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Residents have reported symptoms including burning in the eyes, lungs and sinuses, bad headaches and nausea.
    — Lana Zak, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of headache
Noun
  • Residents say the coyote had been a nuisance in the area since January, when a neighbor began feeding it.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Benjamin was charged with allegedly obstructing a police officer and being a public nuisance.
    — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of nuisance
Noun
  • Health officials said the chemical was mostly an irritant so far, causing watery eyes, and that tests were ongoing to determine how much toxicity was in the air.
    — John Seewer, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Glycidyl methacrylate is an irritant that can cause burning of the eyes, nose, mouth and skin, according to the city of Toledo.
    — Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of irritant
Noun
  • Burks said much of the frustration is connected to top leaders who provide insufficient training.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Clinton's lack of a majority and list of frustrations in his first term set the stage for a bruising first midterm election in 1994.
    — Ron Elving, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of frustration
Noun
  • People are advised to watch for signs of rodent activity including droppings, gnaw marks, scratching or scurrying sounds and rub marks along baseboards or around entry points.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado Updated October 21, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • And be sure to check age restrictions before using any products on children — baby and child chest rubs will be formulated with gentler ingredients.
    — Andee Tagle, NPR, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of rub

Browse Nearby Words

thoraxes
thorn
thorniness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on thorn

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thorn

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