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
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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
-
At first, the un-washable Fisk murals are a nuisance to the new mayor, but there are ways to take advantage of the situation.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
25 Mar. 2025
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Some of the houses are abandoned and have become unsightly neighborhood nuisances.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
24 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Higher asthma rates have been observed in people who clean professionally and even in ordinary people exposed to these irritants as infrequently as once per week.—
Matt Fuchs,
TIME,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Five different ceramides—natural components of your skin barrier that act like glue, holding skin cells together to lock in moisture and block out irritants.—
Siena Gagliano,
Allure,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
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
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There’s a sense of frustration that comes with that, like, How come no one’s listening to the voice of a generation?—
Cat Cardenas,
Vogue,
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
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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 22 Apr. 2025.
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