spiny

adjective

ˈspī-nē 

spinier; spiniest

1

: abounding with difficulties, obstacles, or annoyances : thorny

spiny problems

2

: covered or armed with spines

broadly : bearing spines, prickles, or thorns

3

: slender and pointed like a spine

spininess noun

Synonyms

• catchy
• delicate
• difficult
• dodgy [chiefly British]
• hairy
• knotty
• nasty
• prickly
• problematic
• problematical
• sensitive
• sticky
• thorny
• ticklish
• touchy
• tough
• tricksy
• tricky

Examples of spiny in a Sentence

this promises to be a spiny problem to negotiate

Recent Examples on the Web

The Queen conch, spiny Caribbean lobster and the red fruit of the turk’s head cactus – national treasures on roughly the same footing as the Union Jack – all sewn into the flag flapping over the tarmac. —Mark Gauert, Sun Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024

The dunes sagebrush lizard, also known as the sand dune lizard, is a spiny creature native to dunelands and shrublands in southeastern New Mexico and West Texas. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 20 May 2024

English Holly The most popular type of holly seen during the holidays is English holly (Ilex aquifolium), distinguished by its spiny evergreen leaves in deep glossy green or green edged in gold. —Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2024

Unlike the common carp, which has a long spiny dorsal fin and a whiskerlike barbel near its mouth, the white amur has a short dorsal fin with no spines. —John Leos, The Arizona Republic, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spiny

• spiny anteater
• spiny-headed worm
• spiny lobster

Kids Definition

spiny

adjective

ˈspī-nē 

spinier; spiniest

1

: full of difficulties, obstacles, or problems : thorny

2

: having or covered with spines, thorns, or prickles

spininess noun