What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spiky
Example
The cactus has spiky thorns to protect itself from predators. [spiky: adjective]
Example
She styled her hair in a spiky punk rock look. [spiky: adjective]
thorny
Example
The rose bush has thorny stems that can scratch you if you're not careful. [thorny: adjective]
Example
The negotiations were thorny and required a lot of compromise. [thorny: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thorny is more commonly used than spiky in everyday language, especially in metaphorical contexts. Spiky is less common and tends to be used more in specific contexts like describing plants or hairstyles.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between spiky and thorny?
Both spiky and thorny are relatively informal words, but thorny may be slightly more formal due to its use in metaphorical contexts.
