thorny

[ˈθɔːni]

thorny Definition

  • 1covered with or having a lot of thorns
  • 2difficult and complicated
  • 3causing emotional pain or discomfort

Using thorny: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "thorny" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The thorny bush scratched my arm.

  • Example

    The issue of immigration is a thorny one.

  • Example

    The negotiations were thorny and took months to resolve.

  • Example

    Their relationship had become thorny after the argument.

thorny Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for thorny

Phrases with thorny

  • a thorny problem/issue

    a difficult and complicated problem or issue

    Example

    The company is facing a thorny issue regarding its financial stability.

  • a thorn in someone's side/flesh

    a person or thing that causes persistent annoyance or difficulty

    Example

    The new regulations have become a thorn in the side of small business owners.

  • faced with a difficult choice between two equally undesirable options

    Example

    She was on the horns of a dilemma, either to accept the job offer or to stay with her current employer.

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Summary: thorny in Brief

The term 'thorny' [ˈθɔːni] refers to something covered with thorns, or something that is difficult and complicated. It can also refer to something that causes emotional pain or discomfort, as in 'Their relationship had become thorny after the argument.' The phrase 'a thorny problem/issue' denotes a difficult and complicated problem or issue, while 'a thorn in someone's side/flesh' means a person or thing that causes persistent annoyance or difficulty.