THORNY Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

thorny

adjective

ˈthȯr-nē

Definition of thorny

as in jagged

having leaves or branches which are likely to cause a scratch stay out of the thorny brambles unless you want a ton of scratches

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in difficult

requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling the candidate tried to avoid discussing his views on the thorny issue

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 thorny Russia’s war aims and Ukraine’s requirements—on such thorny issues as territory, Ukrainian security arrangements, and Russia’s future relations with the West—are simply too far apart. — Eric Ciaramella, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2026 Ibrahim has spent almost a decade helping Google DeepMind build artificial intelligence and stay ahead of the thorny ethical, and downright existential, questions that surround the rapidly advancing technology. — Corynn Winston, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026 The ad and accusations are the latest example of how the Epstein files have become a thorny political issue for Republicans. — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026 Addressing that ongoing thorny issue, Joshua told talkSPORT his loyalty was to Hearn. — Tom Burrows, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thorny

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorny

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

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

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

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

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

Sports cars are getting bigger, heavier, and more complicated.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026
The mental load of harder cases As AI takes on routine tasks, human agents may be left dealing with a greater share of complicated cases — and be required to pick up the slack when the technology fails.

— Lindsay Dodgson, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of complicated

Browse Nearby Words

thorns

thorny

thorough

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Style

“Thorny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorny. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of thorny

adjective

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