thorn

noun

ˈthȯrn How to pronounce thorn (audio)
Definition of thornnext
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation your constant questions are a thorn in my side

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of thorn In the past two seasons, the Nuggets have been a thorn in the Lakers' side, being eliminated by Denver in the playoffs. — Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 Property taxes are a thorn in the side of homeowners. — Maddie McGay, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025 The network's Farda news service reports intensely on life in Iran and is a thorn in the side of the regime there. — David Folkenflik, NPR, 10 Mar. 2025 Cheating has also been a thorn in Warzone’s side for years now, with Activision’s Ricochet system barely holding back the flood of cheaters in the game. — Erik Kain, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
  1. headache
  2. nuisance
  3. irritant
  4. frustration
  5. rub
Noun
  • Aside from her talk about specific songs, Roan also opened up about the creative process, which can sometimes be a massive headache, despite her being known for her catalog of fun and peppy songs.
    — Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 17 Apr. 2025
  • Making matters worse, China’s been a real headache for Starbucks, even before the tariffs, on increasing local competition and tepid growth in the world’s second-largest economy.
    — Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of headache
Noun
  • At first, the un-washable Fisk murals are a nuisance to the new mayor, but there are ways to take advantage of the situation.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Some of the houses are abandoned and have become unsightly neighborhood nuisances.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of nuisance
Noun
  • Higher asthma rates have been observed in people who clean professionally and even in ordinary people exposed to these irritants as infrequently as once per week.
    — Matt Fuchs, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Five different ceramides—natural components of your skin barrier that act like glue, holding skin cells together to lock in moisture and block out irritants.
    — Siena Gagliano, Allure, 20 Feb. 2025
Definition of irritant
Noun
  • The president has voiced frustration with the 1973 law and similar environmental protections, saying environmentalists are impeding growth.
    — Kristin Brown, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2025
  • This has been a source of frustration for the woman’s mother, who desires more time with her grandchildren.
    — Ashley Vega, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of frustration
Noun
  • Toki Doki: The Eat Street burger joint is serving wings with both a dry rub and a homemade, gluten-free gochujang sauce.
    — Kyle Stokes, Axios, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The three of them shared head bonks, muzzle rubs, purrs, and cuddling!!
    — Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of rub

Browse Nearby Words

thoraxes
thorn
thorniness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on thorn

Nglish: Translation of thorn for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thorn

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