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 With hill country roots and dangerous charm, Zak has been raised since birth to carry on the Farley racing dynasty, a thorn in the Whitlock family’s side. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2026 The cost of computer memory has been a thorn for Apple and other major tech companies. — Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 10 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 See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
  1. headache
  2. nuisance
  3. irritant
  4. frustration
  5. rub
Noun
  • These include a severe or persistent headache, changes in vision such as blurred vision or seeing spots, pain in the upper abdomen, significant swelling of the face or hands, shortness of breath, and nausea or vomiting later in pregnancy.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • But in some cases, West Nile can reach the brain and cause extreme headaches, meningitis, tremors, convulsions and paralysis.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of headache
Noun
  • Therefore, the state-level attorney general might opt to bring a legal charge of public nuisance against an AI maker and their AI.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Golden State’s stellar defense has quickly developed a reputation for being a nuisance against top guards in particular.
    — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of nuisance
Noun
  • Sharks are known to rub against reefs, sand, rocks and even the seafloor to remove irritants.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Powder emitted from an airbag deployment in Hampton’s car could have been an irritant to Hampton’s eyes, Brissette suggested.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
Definition of irritant
Noun
  • That ambiguity is echoed in Banks’ score, which takes on the tone of a lament and a celebration, frustration and hope, struggle and liberation, the quest for transcendence in the face of the challenges posed by daunting inequities.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The move follows efforts by Pinterest and LinkedIn to respond to users’ frustrations with AI slop in their feeds.
    — Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of frustration
Noun
  • But on a visit the other day, the pork ribs and — surprisingly — the boneless chicken breast arrived with a good, spicy rub.
    — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Aug. 2026
  • That’s especially true for heavy rub lines that connect bedding areas and food sources.
    — Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of rub

Browse Nearby Words

thoraxes
thorn
thorniness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on thorn

Nglish: Translation of thorn for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thorn

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