as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
your constant questions are a thorn in my side
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Recent Examples of thorn
The crown of thorns, said to be the wreath placed on Jesus Christ’s head during his crucifixion, and one of the cathedral’s most sacred items, will sit in a sparkling reliquary.
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Keir Simmons, NBC News, 29 Nov. 2024
Chaos has convulsed the heart of the European Union whose sanctions and military support for Kyiv have proven to be a thorn in the side of Putin's intentions.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
Home to brands such as Kim Crawford and Meiomi wines and Casa Noble and Mi Campo tequilas, the business has been a thorn in Constellation’s side.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2024
Another thorn pricked the relationship this year when Senator Bob Menendez, the New Jersey Democrat and powerful chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was convicted on charges of receiving bribes from businessmen working on behalf of Egypt and Qatar.
—Michael Wahid Hanna, Foreign Affairs, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for thorn 
Keir Simmons, NBC News, 29 Nov. 2024
Chaos has convulsed the heart of the European Union whose sanctions and military support for Kyiv have proven to be a thorn in the side of Putin's intentions.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
Home to brands such as Kim Crawford and Meiomi wines and Casa Noble and Mi Campo tequilas, the business has been a thorn in Constellation’s side.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2024
Another thorn pricked the relationship this year when Senator Bob Menendez, the New Jersey Democrat and powerful chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was convicted on charges of receiving bribes from businessmen working on behalf of Egypt and Qatar.
—Michael Wahid Hanna, Foreign Affairs, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
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The symptoms of influenza A vary from person to person and depend on subtype, but generally consist of coughing, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, fever, headache, fatigue and body aches.Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
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Signs of low magnesium levels include nausea and vomiting, fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, decreased appetite, poor sleep, and heart palpitations.Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, Health, 23 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Roger Hallam, the co-founder of the group, is given a five-year term for conspiracy to cause public nuisance.The Week UK, theweek, 25 Dec. 2024
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Robert Redford delivers folksy wisdom as a local eccentric who once had his own dragon encounter, and even Karl Urban’s greedy logger is more of a nuisance than an outright villain.Josh Bell, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
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This combination forms a barrier that protects the stomach lining from irritants, potentially reducing inflammation and heartburn.Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 6 Dec. 2024
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Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid known irritants, such as soap and laundry detergents containing fragrances or other harsh chemicals. Try an oatmeal bath: Oatmeal baths can soothe dry, itchy, irritated skin.Lindsay Curtis, Health, 27 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Republicans on Capitol Hill raised frustrations with the measure even before it was unveiled, and Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance on Wednesday afternoon added the final nail to the coffin.Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 24 Dec. 2024
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Baltimore resident Jay Jackson expressed frustration over the ongoing crime spree.Rebecca Pryor, Baltimore Sun, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Both benefit from marinades, spice rubs, or sauces to enhance their flavor.Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2024
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Moore, creating separation on a rub route, was streaking across the field — from right to left in Williams’ vision and with rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold trailing him by 6 yards.Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 4 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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