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
The veteran forward has long been a thorn in their side, and has a long history of trying to injure Warriors, and succeeding at it.
—
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
Historically, West Palm Beach’s Keiser University has been a thorn in STU’s side as the Seahawks are 8-0 all-time against the Bobcats.
—Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
Let go of a thorn in your side as the sun meets Chiron.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, Israel’s continued attacks on Lebanon, which have killed more than 2,000 people since March 2, and Gaza could also be a thorn in negotiations, as Iran previously insisted that any cease-fire apply to the rest of the region.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
Historically, West Palm Beach’s Keiser University has been a thorn in STU’s side as the Seahawks are 8-0 all-time against the Bobcats.
—Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
Let go of a thorn in your side as the sun meets Chiron.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, Israel’s continued attacks on Lebanon, which have killed more than 2,000 people since March 2, and Gaza could also be a thorn in negotiations, as Iran previously insisted that any cease-fire apply to the rest of the region.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
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Microplastics have the potential to become a greater headache for an apparel industry too dependent upon plastic fibers.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
27 Apr. 2026
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Some journalists draw a line between the government's mounting headaches and its escalating attacks on the messengers of that news.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Most homeowners are surprised to learn the buzzing nuisance ruining their evenings probably started life just steps from the back door.—
Ryan Brennan
April 30,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
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Previous modernization efforts The airport has previously suffered from a host of issues that have proved nuisances for travelers, including green liquid falling from the ceiling and broken escalators.—
Sarah Perkel,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Caffeine, alcohol and certain acidic or spicy foods can act as bladder irritants for some people.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
1 May 2026
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Eyssimont made a name for himself with the Tampa Bay Lightning as being an irritant.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Most fans understand that the need for more professional-caliber resources wasn’t going to be met under Mohegan Tribe ownership, but there is deep frustration over the Sun’s relocation out of New England.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
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But for the residents and business-owners, the possibility of another set of G train outage evoked frustration after two years of service suspensions while crews worked to upgrade the signaling system on the Crosstown Line.—
Evan Simko-Bednarski,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Upgrade your rubs, soups, and pasta with just a sprinkle.—
Katlyn Moncada,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Apr. 2026
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So whether its a belly rub, a favorite snack, or just a few extra minutes together, National Pet Day is as good as a reason as any to celebrate the ones who make our lives, and our homes, better.—
Kendall Malinchock,
USA Today,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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