as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
your constant questions are a thorn in my side
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of thorn
According to Fried, songbirds especially like this tree's fruit, which is reminiscent of blackberries but without the seeds or thorns.
—
Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 Mar. 2026
No anti-Iran narrative Iran has been a thorn in the side of many American presidents for a long time.
—Charles Walldorf, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026
Its canes are reddish in color and covered with spiny thorns.
—Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 7 Mar. 2026
Future thorn in the Rangers’ side?
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 Mar. 2026
No anti-Iran narrative Iran has been a thorn in the side of many American presidents for a long time.
—Charles Walldorf, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026
Its canes are reddish in color and covered with spiny thorns.
—Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 7 Mar. 2026
Future thorn in the Rangers’ side?
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
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However, the ink was barely dry when new revelations emerged last week that pose a fresh headache for Cannon.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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Authorities said Koc and Alshmari attacked the victim, causing a split lip and headaches.—
Madeline Bartos,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The site fell into neglect and became a blighted public nuisance.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
3 Apr. 2026
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The company could face even more penalties in a second phase of the trial set to start in May, over whether Meta created a public nuisance.—
Shannon Bond,
NPR,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Fortunately, more and more brands are now formulating deodorants without common allergens and irritants.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
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There certainly are harmful chemicals, carcinogens, toxins, heavy metals, respiratory irritants and other things inside of there that certainly can cause immediate harm.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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New transparency tools aim to help travelers understand disruptions and reduce frustration during delays and cancellations.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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And while the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved covering the overrun, most of which will come from the county's unrestricted fund balance, frustration is clearly building.—
Ubah Ali,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Our readers weigh in Twenty-seven years ago today, when UConn played Duke down to the wire in the title game, my wife sat in front of me and asked for a shoulder rub.—
Kels Dayton,
Hartford Courant,
31 Mar. 2026
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As far as vibe goes, this is where tourists and corporate suits from all walks of life rub elbows, whether waiting in line at Shake Shack or the steakhouse Wolf & Lamb.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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