thorny

[ˈθɔːni]

thorny Definition

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

Synonyms for thorny

• prickly
• spiny
• barbed
• difficult
• troublesome

Antonyms for thorny

• smooth
• easy
• simple

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.

• on the horns of a dilemma

  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.

📌

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.