thorns

noun

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 thorns 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 Blackthorn salt was filtered through something called a tower of thorns. — Literary Hub, 22 July 2026 Worst of all, these trees have become invasive, crossing with other Callery cultivars to create wild hybrids that produce four-inch-long thorns. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorns
  1. headaches
  2. frustrations
  3. nuisances
  4. irritants
Noun
  • Hotels increasingly use signature scents to shape their brands, but guests with asthma or chemical sensitivities say those fragrances can trigger headaches and other problems.
    — Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • After six days, 57% of study participants who had VYD2311 injected into the muscle of their upper arm reported headaches, chills, fatigue or pain at the injection site — the typical side effects associated with vaccinations.
    — Adam Feuerstein, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of headaches
Noun
  • Comments by the Batavia City Council on Tuesday at a Committee of the Whole meeting continued to reflect the city’s frustrations.
    — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 4 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 frustrations
Noun
  • 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
  • Those feedings typically run afoul of associations’ governing documents and their rules and regulations due to the potential nuisances, unsanitary conditions, property damage, and liabilities that feral cats and other animals can create.
    — Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of nuisances
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
  • Use gloves to protect your hands from any potential irritants or chemicals, especially when mixing a cleaning solution.
    — Rabekah Henderson, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2026
Definition of irritants

Browse Nearby Words

thorniness
thorns
thorny
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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