as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
your constant questions are a thorn in my side
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Recent Examples of thorn
These territorial thorns aside, Zelensky has said a proposed three-way split of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant between the US, Russia and Ukraine remains a big stumbling block.
—
Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
Damascus was celebratory, with the defeat of the Kurds marking an end to the biggest thorn in the new regime’s goal of a centralized state.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 18 Jan. 2026
Consumer insights like these are a thorn in the side of brands and retailers such as Levi’s, Nudie, and Uniqlo, all of which have devoted significant store space to repair services and invested heavily in promoting and educating consumers about keeping their jeans in use for longer.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 15 Jan. 2026
This season, Xabi Alonso’s team won 2-1 in La Liga at the Bernabeu in October, but Barca have undoubtedly become a thorn in the side of Real Madrid’s latest Galactico project, led by Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
—Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
Damascus was celebratory, with the defeat of the Kurds marking an end to the biggest thorn in the new regime’s goal of a centralized state.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 18 Jan. 2026
Consumer insights like these are a thorn in the side of brands and retailers such as Levi’s, Nudie, and Uniqlo, all of which have devoted significant store space to repair services and invested heavily in promoting and educating consumers about keeping their jeans in use for longer.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 15 Jan. 2026
This season, Xabi Alonso’s team won 2-1 in La Liga at the Bernabeu in October, but Barca have undoubtedly become a thorn in the side of Real Madrid’s latest Galactico project, led by Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
—Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
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Psyduck, one of the main Pokémon used by Misty in the series, was a water-type who could use powerful psychic moves, but the timing and effectiveness of its abilities was disrupted by its constant headaches.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
9 Feb. 2026
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On the same day Amber Glenn won Olympic gold as part of the team event and stepped away from social media due to backlash over her comments on politics and the LGBTQ+ community, the American figure skater ended up with another headache.—
Dave Skretta,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Intentionally obstructing the roadway, especially while impeding emergency access, is a misdemeanor in Minnesota, as is being a public nuisance by blocking the right-of-way.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Feb. 2026
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For rulers abroad, the Puerto Rican people were mostly a nuisance to be managed.—
Andrew R. Chow,
Time,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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History of Allergies Women with a history of allergies—which includes eczema, food allergies and hay fever—are more likely to get it because their immune systems are more likely to respond to irritants by triggering an inflammatory response.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
13 Feb. 2026
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Volunteers spoke of the risks of verbal and physical confrontations with ICE agents, including the use of pepper spray and other irritants against observers and even arrests.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Inflation has weighed on shoppers, and customers have voiced frustration over cluttered stores and inconsistent merchandise that strayed from the retailer’s identity as a polished, affordable-chic chain.—
Emily Lorsch,
NBC news,
10 Feb. 2026
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DeRozan said Sacramento’s poor play was the source of his outward show of frustration following an alley-oop dunk by Zion Williamson in the third period.—
HECTOR AMEZCUA,
Sacbee.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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So, to get noticed, deer mark areas with rubs and scrapes, known as signposts.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
10 Feb. 2026
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Barrel and Bones The smokehouse is offering two Game Day Wing Playoff Packs — one that includes 20 wings for $35 and another that includes 50 wings for $85 — with a variety of flavors, sauces and rubs.—
Zacharia Washington,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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