thorny

adjective

ˈthȯr-nē 

thornier; thorniest

1

: full of thorns

2

: full of difficulties or controversial points : ticklish

a thorny problem

thorniness noun

Synonyms of thorny

• jagged
• prickly
• scratchy
• brambly

Examples of thorny in a Sentence

stay out of the thorny brambles unless you want a ton of scratches

Recent Examples on the Web

Ibrahim has spent almost a decade helping Google DeepMind build artificial intelligence and stay ahead of the thorny ethical, and downright existential, questions that surround the rapidly advancing technology. — Corynn Winston, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026

The ad and accusations are the latest example of how the Epstein files have become a thorny political issue for Republicans. — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026

And resist the temptation to divert urgent discussions toward thorny disputes. — Geoffrey Irving, Time, 3 Oct. 2026

Addressing that ongoing thorny issue, Joshua told talkSPORT his loyalty was to Hearn. — Tom Burrows, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for thorny

• corny
• horny

Kids Definition

thorny

adjective

ˈthȯr-nē 

thornier; thorniest

1

: full of or covered with thorns

thorny rose bushes

2

: full of difficulties

a thorny problem

thorniness noun