THORNS Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

thorns

noun

plural of thorn

as in headaches

something that is a source of irritation your constant questions are a thorn in my side

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Recent Examples of thorns Cue an enthralling chase sequence, doubling back through those higgledy-piggledy Portland streetscapes, toward the woods — the impenetrable thickets and thorns of which magically part in her presence. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026 Grace Carroll gives a poignant performance as the Nightingale—borne aloft with arched back and trembling, outstretched hands by other dancers, who play thorns that pierce her breast—and Adam Elmes makes a seductively sinister Dorian Gray. — Hannah Aizenman, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026 Besides a necklace of thorns, which draws small drops of blood, Kahlo appears to be more focused on the relief of healing. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026 Roses are considered non-toxic, though thorns can cause injuries and floral preservatives may still pose a risk. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 Keep in mind that rose stems are often armed with sharp prickles, not thorns. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 25 Aug. 2026 Their kickers’ health and performance for years have been one of the thorns in the team’s side. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026 In many species, the pronotum extends over the body to form elaborate shapes that resemble thorns, buds, or other plant structures, providing excellent camouflage. — Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026 These networks used to buffer against isolation and economic displacement—the thorns of modern life that make partnership more valuable yet love more difficult to find. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorns

Noun

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
Neurological symptoms, like persistent headaches, may also warrant seeing a doctor.

— Angelica Stabile , Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of headaches

Noun

The rhetoric from Rogers and other Republicans about El-Sayed has added to those frustrations.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
In July, antigovernment protests forced the resignation of the education minister over frustrations with the examination system.

— Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of frustrations

Noun

But coyotes, with their abundant numbers and reputation as nuisances, are not.

— Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Take some time to seal gaps in window and door frames with weatherproof caulk to prevent fall stink bug problems, along with roaches, boxelder bugs, cluster flies, and other nuisances.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of nuisances

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 irritants

Browse Nearby Words

thorniness

thorns

thorny

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“Thorns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorns. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of thorns

noun

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