1
2
as in irritable
easily irritated or annoyed
she dreaded having to deal with her prickly boss
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
4
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
a prickly issue that will outrage at least one special interest if not handled delicately
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prickly
The film examines the prickly relationship between criticism and art, as well as the gamble of meeting your heroes.
—
Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Looking back, Garth confirmed that the prickly dynamic eventually manifested between the two women in real life.
—Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026
The prickly Moon in your 4th House of Security reaches out to nourishing Jupiter in your 12th House of Escapism.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2026
Properly constructed, a Martinez is plush with Italian vermouth but still prickly with gin, enjoying the diamond-clarity of a Martini but with the silken luxuriousness of a Manhattan.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prickly
Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Looking back, Garth confirmed that the prickly dynamic eventually manifested between the two women in real life.
—Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026
The prickly Moon in your 4th House of Security reaches out to nourishing Jupiter in your 12th House of Escapism.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2026
Properly constructed, a Martinez is plush with Italian vermouth but still prickly with gin, enjoying the diamond-clarity of a Martini but with the silken luxuriousness of a Manhattan.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prickly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prickly
Adjective
-
Derms say mineral blocks tend to be less irritating for sensitive skin.—
Brigitt Earley,
Glamour,
24 Apr. 2026
-
In both Dream Scenario and The Drama, Borgli sides with the maligned, framing those who cast judgment as shrewish and needling (exemplified in The Drama with a deliciously irritating performance from Alana Haim).—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
What are the symptoms of irritable bowel disease?—
Lindy Segal,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Perhaps through feeling more irritable, more anxious, or wanting to isolate.—
Joy Harden Bradford,
AJC.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This is a particularly thorny issue because Tesla’s appeal as the only stock that allows people to directly bet on Musk is set to erode soon, with the billionaire’s space and rocket company SpaceX targeting an initial public offering later this year.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Surrounded by a strong ensemble under the direction of Georgette Verdin, Nozicka frankly knocks this thorny role out of the park.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But with the Lightning taking back home-ice advantage with this win and the series shifting back to Tampa, where Cooper will have full control of the matchup, the task becomes that much more difficult for the Suzuki line.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Tornadoes are extremely difficult to see and confirm at night.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
One is aji verde, a fiery, electric green sauce made with Peruvian yellow peppers, and huacatay, a pungent, black mint with hints of tarragon and citrus.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
In the video, an officer tries to use a key to enter the residence when the front of the building explodes in a fiery blast.—
Minyvonne Burke,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The plane hitting the water is destructive enough without the help of a jagged coral reef (improbably far from any coastline) slicing through the aircraft’s undercarriage.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Known for their jagged peaks, glacial lakes, and vast icefields, the Canadian Rockies are among the world’s most stunning mountain ranges, forming a natural divide between Alberta and British Columbia.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The ability to acquire land in fee simple is essential and, in many cases, the most effective and expedient way to protect sensitive landscapes, especially in rapidly developing areas.—
Susan Carr,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Eating large amounts or consuming them on an empty stomach may increase the likelihood of discomfort in sensitive individuals.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
It’s rightfully associated with fiber, but often wrongly assumed to be as scratchy as twine.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
-
The Best Deals at the Quince Sale If your current towels are limp, scratchy, or just plain uninspired, Quince’s Turkish Classic Bath towels are an instant bathroom upgrade.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prickly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prickly. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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