thorny
Americanadjective
-
bearing or covered with thorns
-
difficult or unpleasant
a thorny problem
-
sharp
Other Word Forms
- thornily adverb
- thorniness noun
- unthorny adjective
Etymology
Origin of thorny
before 1000; Middle English; Old English thornig. See thorn, -y 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Ravens could lower that number by extending Jackson’s deal, but past negotiations with the quarterback have been thorny.
Early 2026 has to yield Judgement day on this thorny issue as they appeal against sanctions for playing LIV events without official tour permission.
From BBC
But without such a vote Zelensky believes a deal would have no validity which just adds to the list of thorny issues to be resolved.
From BBC
An Ohio lawmaker wants to settle one of science’s thorniest questions by legislative fiat.
He drives most of the way before arriving at the treacherous Darién Gap, where he’s sidelined after falling into a thorny tree — but “they” save him, much to his chagrin.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
