thorny
adjective
ˈthȯr-nē 
thornier; thorniest
1
: full of thorns
2
: full of difficulties or controversial points : ticklish
a thorny problem
thorniness noun
Synonyms
- brambly
- prickly
- scratchy
- thistly
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
stay out of the thorny brambles unless you want a ton of scratches
Recent Examples on the Web Yet this year could be a particularly thorny given the volatile market conditions that have so far defined this year’s market. 
Lucy Brewster, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2022 Those familiar with the documents released to the Tribune said the analysis was a first step toward using real-time data to design a strategy for the thorny and political question of where and when officers should be deployed. Annie Sweeney, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2022 At the same time, Mihalek said, the agency's decision to hand personal device information over to the committee could present thorny legal challenges. Josh Margolin, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2022 The gloves are best for pruning hedges and working with thorny plants. Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2022 The Bachelorette that is truly unique and provides its own thorny moments. Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Aug. 2022 The vegetable, a relative of the thistle, features leathery, thorny green leaves or petals attached to a round base. Ann Maloney, Washington Post, 2 Aug. 2022 The leaves were massed between and behind thorny rose shrubs along the borders. Ian Mcewan, The New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2022 But how much individual change matters in the face of systemic problems has been a thorny debate for years. Wired, 31 July 2022 See More
Lucy Brewster, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2022 Those familiar with the documents released to the Tribune said the analysis was a first step toward using real-time data to design a strategy for the thorny and political question of where and when officers should be deployed. Annie Sweeney, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2022 At the same time, Mihalek said, the agency's decision to hand personal device information over to the committee could present thorny legal challenges. Josh Margolin, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2022 The gloves are best for pruning hedges and working with thorny plants. Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2022 The Bachelorette that is truly unique and provides its own thorny moments. Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Aug. 2022 The vegetable, a relative of the thistle, features leathery, thorny green leaves or petals attached to a round base. Ann Maloney, Washington Post, 2 Aug. 2022 The leaves were massed between and behind thorny rose shrubs along the borders. Ian Mcewan, The New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2022 But how much individual change matters in the face of systemic problems has been a thorny debate for years. Wired, 31 July 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
thorny
adjective
ˈthȯr-nē
thornier; thorniest
1
: full of or covered with thorns
2
: full of difficulties
a thorny situation
thorniness
noun
as in pointedness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- pointedness
- severity
- maliciousness
- shrillness
- virulence
- raucousness
- severeness
- vitriol
- acridity
- harshness
- acerbity
- cattiness
- poignancy
- roughness
- poignance
- acidity
- acuteness
- pungency
- ginger
- tang
- acrimony
- acridness
- spice
- asperity
- bitterness
- punch
- tartness
- acrimoniousness
- sharpness
- edge
- acidness
- keenness
- bite
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- softness
- gentleness
- mildness
- kindliness