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 The shrubs, ranging from deer brush to white thorn shrub, are incredibly good at resprouting, Young said. — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026 The young professor quickly became a favorite of the students (including Alice Walker and Marian Wright Edelman) and a thorn in the side of the college administration. — Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Oct. 2026 More recently, Hannah Hidalgo has been a thorn in the Huskies’ sides, though UConn got past ND in the Elite Eight last March. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026 Oil, which in recent weeks has been a thorn in the stock market's side, provided the first source of relief Monday. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
  1. headache
  2. nuisance
  3. irritant
  4. frustration
  5. rub
Noun
  • The biggest headache for Thune was the Save America Act, a voter ID bill that lacked a strategy to become law in the Senate.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • In Meta’s case, creepy video-recording incidents and privacy-light tampering have caused severe headaches for the company.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of headache
Noun
  • In August, the health board designated a $250,000 fund for rat abatement — so far the only public money in Idaho specifically earmarked to combat the nuisance.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The tablet takes a good 20 to 30 seconds to boot up from that state, which is a nuisance compared with the instant wake-up from sleep mode.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of nuisance
Noun
  • Nodules can be caused by a variety of factors including scar tissue, lung irritants, inflammatory conditions, current or past infections, or cancer.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Their wavelike motion helps move around germs, mucus, dust, and other irritants so the body can dispel them via coughing or sneezing.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of irritant
Noun
  • Demonstrators expressed widespread frustration and anger at the government as gasoline, energy and food prices have spiked in recent months.
    — SYLVIE CORBET, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • That's despite voter frustration over high prices and the Iran war, and his own challenge of leading one of narrowest House majorities in modern times.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of frustration
Noun
  • And be sure to check age restrictions before using any products on children — baby and child chest rubs will be formulated with gentler ingredients.
    — Andee Tagle, NPR, 15 Oct. 2026
  • What’s more, the mixes can be used straight from the envelope as a dry rub for meat, as a base for dips, or even as a popcorn seasoning.
    — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026
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 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on thorn

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thorn

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