THORNY Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

thorny

adjective

ˈthȯr-nē

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 This tree is notorious for being highly invasive, often cross-pollinating with other pear varieties, resulting in dense, thorny thickets that disrupt local ecosystems. —

Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 Apr. 2026 Lean into what's moving easily, and where things feel stuck or thorny, and navigate with dignity rather than force. —

Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026 Over the years, research has attempted to answer the thorny question of how much homework is appropriate, with varying degrees of success. —

Ariel Gilreath, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026 Its large, thorny stems creep out from the base of the plant to form a thicket. —

Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thorny

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorny

Adjective

Similarly, slugs and snails are less likely to travel across jagged surfaces, which can make pine cones a helpful barrier around vulnerable plants like lettuce or hostas.

— Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
The blade was at least ten inches long and double-edged, honed on one side with a wavy scalloped finish, the other a jagged toothing like a lumberjack’s saw.

— Chang-rae Lee, New Yorker, 3 May 2026