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
Popularized by the Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles, the tush push has become a thorn in the side of NFL teams based solely on its effectiveness in short yardage situations.
—
C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2025
The Entity’s human helper Gabriel (Esai Morales) becomes more of a thorn in Ethan’s side and our heroes scatter to London, South Africa and the Arctic on a mission that would be rather impossible for anyone not named Tom Cruise.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Roses Landscape roses add no-fuss color and charm to your garden, but the thorns are not especially charming.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 May 2025
Still, the humble thorn forest has garnered a lot of interest from young visitors.
—Laura Mallonee, Wired News, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorn
C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2025
The Entity’s human helper Gabriel (Esai Morales) becomes more of a thorn in Ethan’s side and our heroes scatter to London, South Africa and the Arctic on a mission that would be rather impossible for anyone not named Tom Cruise.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Roses Landscape roses add no-fuss color and charm to your garden, but the thorns are not especially charming.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 May 2025
Still, the humble thorn forest has garnered a lot of interest from young visitors.
—Laura Mallonee, Wired News, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
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More severe cases of salmonellosis may include a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and in some cases may become fatal.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 June 2025
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Its stern warnings are scary and uncomfortable--the headaches, indigestion, muscle spasms, body aches, clenched teeth or knots in your chest.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Noun
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The velocity of misinformation isn’t just a nuisance.—
Brent Gleeson,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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Eating flaxseed might even ease menopausal symptoms, which—among its many other nuisances—can often include GI issues.—
Christina Pérez,
Vogue,
29 May 2025
Noun
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Inflammation is your immune system's natural response to irritants, injuries, or infections.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
26 May 2025
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This unfortunate side effect is caused by irritants released from the onion cells when your knife slices through.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
16 May 2025
Noun
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The viral TikTok video of the incident, while gaining traction elsewhere, only added to the frustration expressed by those in the thread.—
Darlin Tillery,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 June 2025
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What a Lee presidency might look like Yoon’s martial law decree had been in part fueled by his frustration over a months-long political stalemate, with Lee’s Democratic Party blocking the president from moving forward with many of his campaign promises and policies.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
4 June 2025
Noun
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Cattle dog mix Age: 4 years old Say hello to Orchid, a gorgeous girl with a sleek black coat, bright white accents, and a speckled belly that’s just begging for rubs.—
Trish Stinger,
Kansas City Star,
21 May 2025
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Issues such as privacy, security, and access to space are intimately connected to class and public policy, but his commentary is covered in a soft veil of fabric or the gentle rub of graphite.—
Megan Williams,
CNN Money,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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