spinier; spiniest
1
: abounding with difficulties, obstacles, or annoyances : thorny
spiny problems
2
: covered or armed with spines
broadly
: bearing spines, prickles, or thorns
3
: slender and pointed like a spine
spininess
noun
Synonyms
Examples of spiny in a Sentence
this promises to be a spiny problem to negotiate
Recent Examples on the Web
These spiny mammals are members of the Erinaceidae family and date back approximately 15 million years ago.
—
Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
Generally, deer don’t prefer plants that are fuzzy, highly aromatic, spiny, or spiky.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024
These women are tough and spiny too, given to raucous songs, laughter and the occasional squabble.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 7 Oct. 2024
Many predators have specialized digestive systems that can handle tough or spiny prey, with powerful stomach acids or enzymes that can break down spines or other tough structures.
—Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024
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Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
Generally, deer don’t prefer plants that are fuzzy, highly aromatic, spiny, or spiky.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024
These women are tough and spiny too, given to raucous songs, laughter and the occasional squabble.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 7 Oct. 2024
Many predators have specialized digestive systems that can handle tough or spiny prey, with powerful stomach acids or enzymes that can break down spines or other tough structures.
—Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spiny
Dictionary Entries Near spiny
Cite this Entry
“Spiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spiny. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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