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
Councilor Ed Flynn – a thorn in the side of the Wu administration – is being canceled by the progressives running the city.
—
Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2025
The human invaders as usual are a major threat to Pandora in an existential sense, plus former military guy/Na'vi villain Colonel Quaritch (Stephen Lang) is a constant thorn in their sides.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Judges' grants of nationwide relief have been a thorn in the administration's side since Trump took office in January.
—Christina Gatti, NPR, 4 Apr. 2025
Yet despite being a recurring thorn in the president’s side, Kentucky Republicans showed no appetite for a replacement, and Massie sailed to an easy victory in his 2020 GOP primary.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2025
The human invaders as usual are a major threat to Pandora in an existential sense, plus former military guy/Na'vi villain Colonel Quaritch (Stephen Lang) is a constant thorn in their sides.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Judges' grants of nationwide relief have been a thorn in the administration's side since Trump took office in January.
—Christina Gatti, NPR, 4 Apr. 2025
Yet despite being a recurring thorn in the president’s side, Kentucky Republicans showed no appetite for a replacement, and Massie sailed to an easy victory in his 2020 GOP primary.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
-
Aside from her talk about specific songs, Roan also opened up about the creative process, which can sometimes be a massive headache, despite her being known for her catalog of fun and peppy songs.—
Mathew Rodriguez,
Them.,
17 Apr. 2025
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Making matters worse, China’s been a real headache for Starbucks, even before the tariffs, on increasing local competition and tepid growth in the world’s second-largest economy.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
On April 30th, 2022, a security guard at a local business plaza called the police to report Mary as a nuisance.—
Sarah Stillman,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Protester Trenton Oldfield swam in front of both boats and was jailed for six months for causing a public nuisance.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
12 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Common triggers include environmental allergens, foods, and skin irritants.—
Brandi Jones, MSN-Ed,
Health,
28 Mar. 2025
-
In fact, the brand follows the National Eczema Association's ingredient guidelines to avoid irritants and allergens.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
This largely comes from a place of frustration at what is perceived as self-hate.—
Tayler Adigun,
Essence,
16 Apr. 2025
-
The president has voiced frustration with the 1973 law and similar environmental protections, saying environmentalists are impeding growth.—
Kristin Brown,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This is classic body language sign that your dog feels comfortable and wants a good chest rub, which most dogs love and invites a fuss.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Apr. 2025
-
If your dog loves belly rubs or your cat needs a quiet environment, the driver can accommodate those personal needs.—
William Mullane,
USA TODAY,
25 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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