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2
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
the candidate tried to avoid discussing his views on the thorny issue
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of thorny
The climate crisis is a big, thorny problem that demands nuance and thoughtful reflection.
—
Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
The cases have raised thorny legal questions about jurisdiction as well as First Amendment rights to free speech, which extend to both citizens and noncitizens under the US Constitution.
—Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
Join Our Other Game Discussions Want to be part of the conversation about New York Times Games, or maybe get some help with a particularly thorny puzzle?
—Sam Corbin, New York Times, 13 May 2025
The millionaire tax hike suggestion came as House Republicans are rushing to iron out the thorniest portions of President Trump’s legislative agenda together before meeting to advance the bills next week.
—Emily Brooks, The Hill, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorny
Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
The cases have raised thorny legal questions about jurisdiction as well as First Amendment rights to free speech, which extend to both citizens and noncitizens under the US Constitution.
—Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
Join Our Other Game Discussions Want to be part of the conversation about New York Times Games, or maybe get some help with a particularly thorny puzzle?
—Sam Corbin, New York Times, 13 May 2025
The millionaire tax hike suggestion came as House Republicans are rushing to iron out the thorniest portions of President Trump’s legislative agenda together before meeting to advance the bills next week.
—Emily Brooks, The Hill, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorny
Adjective
-
The thunder rolled and lightning danced among the jagged peaks as a summer rainstorm soaked the alpine meadows of California’s Sierra Nevada.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 May 2025
-
In addition to more glaciers (circa 300) than any other national park in the Lower 48 states, North Cascades boasts dozens of jagged snowy peaks, wild rivers, tranquil lakes, and among the highest biodiversity of any U.S. park.—
Joe Yogerst,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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But the fact that Schwartzman, in his first film, was given the difficult task of stealing laughs away from a comedy legend, and so often succeeds in doing so, gives him the slight edge.—
Shannon Carlin,
Time,
30 May 2025
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These connections are difficult to make from within, but consultants are trained to see across boundaries.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
And who should pick up Agathe from the ferry but a handsome, prickly Englishman, Oliver (Charlie Anson), the great-great-great-great-grandnephew of Ms. Austen herself.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
25 May 2025
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No, the show’s appeal lies in its complicated depiction of bickering and bruising sisters, with prickly performances from Meghann Fahy and Milly Alcock giving the series an alluring and distinguishing jolt.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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This is a time for doing the tough, often unglamorous job of making the city function for all New Yorkers.—
Scott Stringer,
New York Daily News,
3 June 2025
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When staring at twin suns like from much greater distances — many light-years away — astronomers have a much tougher time than young Skywalker in determining two stars from one.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Everything was soft to touch except the scratchy instrument binnacle.—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
-
Pavement’s early music was scratchy and eccentric, built on guitars that gnawed and eked their way through songs.—
Hua Hsu,
New Yorker,
19 May 2025
Adjective
-
These searches help keep digital communications and sensitive information safe.—
Jeremiah Bartz,
The Conversation,
30 May 2025
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The lightweight formula is fragrance-free — ideal for sensitive skin — and doubles as a primer thanks to its matte finish.—
Madison Yauger,
People.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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However, the water impact of cannabis becomes more problematic in regions where it’s grown illegally or without proper oversight.—
Tribune Content Agency,
Mercury News,
23 May 2025
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Baltimore City Hall leaders acknowledged on Wednesday that squatting and social media networks potentially profiting from such activities are problematic.—
Gary Collins,
Baltimore Sun,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Since then, however, there have been new revelations in their complicated family dynamics.—
Jordana Comiter,
People.com,
3 June 2025
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But every one of those steps was much more complicated for abelian surfaces.—
Joseph Howlett,
Quanta Magazine,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Thorny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorny. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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