What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spiky
Example
Her spiky hair made her look edgy and cool. [spiky: adjective]
Example
The cactus had spiky thorns that made it difficult to handle. [spiky: adjective]
Example
The fence was topped with spiky metal spikes to deter intruders. [spiky: adjective]
spiny
Example
The spiny lobster had sharp spines on its shell for protection. [spiny: adjective]
Example
The spiny cactus was covered in sharp spines that could cause injury. [spiny: adjective]
Example
He had a spiny personality and was hard to get along with. [spiny: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spiky is more commonly used than spiny in everyday language, especially when describing hair or objects with visible spikes. Spiny is less common but is still used to describe plants or animals with spines.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spiky and spiny?
Neither spiky nor spiny is particularly formal or informal, and both can be used in a variety of contexts without sounding out of place.
