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