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as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
the candidate tried to avoid discussing his views on the thorny issue
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of thorny
Directed by Miguel Arteta from a razor-sharp screenplay by Mike White (THE WHITE LOTUS), remains a fascinatingly thorny character study and offbeat relic of early 2000s independent filmmaking.
—
Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 Mar. 2025
Either in an Elite Eight game that should be a Final Four game, or earlier in the especially thorny thicket that’s facing them as the lowest top seed?
—Mirjam Swanson, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025
Addressing the thorny topic of job retention, several speakers opined that some jobs will go away or change while new ones will emerge, but that AI still requires creatives.
—Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 15 Mar. 2025
Join Our Other Game Discussions Want to be part of the conversation about New York Times Games, or maybe get some help with a particularly thorny puzzle?
—Deb Amlen, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorny
Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 Mar. 2025
Either in an Elite Eight game that should be a Final Four game, or earlier in the especially thorny thicket that’s facing them as the lowest top seed?
—Mirjam Swanson, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025
Addressing the thorny topic of job retention, several speakers opined that some jobs will go away or change while new ones will emerge, but that AI still requires creatives.
—Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 15 Mar. 2025
Join Our Other Game Discussions Want to be part of the conversation about New York Times Games, or maybe get some help with a particularly thorny puzzle?
—Deb Amlen, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorny
Adjective
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The lodge looked like a miniature in the shadow of the jagged mountains.—
Sophie Mendel,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Mar. 2025
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Obviously, no one wants to go to a beach that’s covered in jagged space debris (or where such debris might rain down at any moment).—
Edward Woodson,
Orlando Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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As college sports continues its rapid professionalization, the ACC is in a difficult spot.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
19 Mar. 2025
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Distinguished by its curved bamboo handle, the Gucci Bamboo was created in 1947, amid Italy’s post-War era, during which traditional raw materials were difficult to source.—
Denni Hu,
WWD,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The designer teased that there will be sultry, body-hugging looks with prickly prints and comfy, padded pieces.—
Tianwei Zhang,
WWD,
25 Mar. 2025
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Zegler brings a fresh, prickly energy to the timeless character.—
Staff Author,
EW.com,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The opening weekend miss for what was a very buzzy Sundance title back in 2023 about a troubled but ambitious bodybuilder follows controversy around its star and comes at a tough time for indie films in general.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
23 Mar. 2025
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As long as Flagg is on the floor, the Blue Devils will be a tough out.—
Tobias Bass,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Typically lasting about a week, these include chronic cough, sneezing fits, runny nose, sinus pressure, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and hoarse (scratchy, raspy) voice.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
17 Mar. 2025
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Some are snapshots — making paper airplanes, watching the Muppets, swimming in the ocean — while others more impressionistic: the smell of burning incense, the scratchy stubble on his father’s chin, the boney outline of his ankle, and the cold metal of his guitar strings.—
Jordan Runtagh,
People.com,
21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The request seeks information on DOGE's use of artificial intelligence, access to sensitive data, and its role in firing federal employees.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
19 Mar. 2025
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However, people with sensitive skin may experience mild skin irritation, which is often more prevalent with higher percentages of urea.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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As the academic writing landscape evolves, EssayPro’s limitations have become increasingly problematic for students needing dependable assistance.—
Rowan Briggs,
Mercury News,
25 Mar. 2025
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If that involves breaking the law, then that becomes problematic.—
Gary Phelan,
Hartford Courant,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Getting out of bed early is less complicated than people think, according to Barrett.—
Michael Dorgan,
Fox News,
23 Mar. 2025
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Truth is, the rules on early withdrawals are complicated and seem to be constantly changing.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Thorny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorny. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
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