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 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 Miami dominated the series against Nashville since Messi’s arrival in 2023, but Nashville has been a thorn in Miami’s side this season. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 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 This has been a thorn in the organization’s side since Cunningham was drafted first in 2021. — Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 8 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 usual symptoms include high fever, headache, stiffness and an overall feeling that resembles the flu.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Budget cuts The unrest is adding to a major political headache for the government, which is about to start tough budget negotiations against a backdrop of division and economic turmoil.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of headache
Noun
  • For homeowners who have spent decades building equity, failing windows are more than a nuisance.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Legal experts on the other side question the notion that a public nuisance can be defined so broadly to include both the sale of a legal product and the impact on carbon pollution, much of it coming from China and India.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of nuisance
Noun
  • 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
  • The outcomes are shrouded in mystery, a particular irritant for leadership teams obsessed with data and clarity.
    — Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of irritant
Noun
  • Players slapped each other’s helmets in frustration while angry voices carried from the sideline.
    — D’Joumbarey Moreau, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Rubin acknowledged the union’s frustrations in a response to the no-confidence vote, but said there were no funds available to increase overtime.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of frustration
Noun
  • 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
  • Phillips did his signature celebration — an exaggerated belly rub — which immediately caught the attention of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of rub

Browse Nearby Words

thoraxes
thorn
thorniness
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Cite this Entry

“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on thorn

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thorn

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