as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
your constant questions are a thorn in my side
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Recent Examples of thorn
Gone With the Wind Tonight’s finale is the best example yet of how the fire-making challenge continues to be a thorn in the New Era’s side.
—
Joe Reid, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2024
Between the lines: Fetterman staunchly rejects any comparisons to Manchin or Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), both of whom are leaving the Senate next month and have been repeated thorns in Democrats' side.
—Erin Doherty, Axios, 15 Dec. 2024
Jean-Baptiste softens nothing about her; this is a performance as raw as a bundle of thorns, fierce and uncompromising.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 4 Dec. 2024
The crown of thorns, said to be the wreath placed on Jesus Christ’s head during his crucifixion, and one of the cathedral’s most sacred items, will sit in a sparkling reliquary.
—Keir Simmons, NBC News, 29 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for thorn 
Joe Reid, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2024
Between the lines: Fetterman staunchly rejects any comparisons to Manchin or Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), both of whom are leaving the Senate next month and have been repeated thorns in Democrats' side.
—Erin Doherty, Axios, 15 Dec. 2024
Jean-Baptiste softens nothing about her; this is a performance as raw as a bundle of thorns, fierce and uncompromising.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 4 Dec. 2024
The crown of thorns, said to be the wreath placed on Jesus Christ’s head during his crucifixion, and one of the cathedral’s most sacred items, will sit in a sparkling reliquary.
—Keir Simmons, NBC News, 29 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
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At the Brentwood location of popular Italian eatery Jon & Vinny’s, staff complained of headaches and sore throats in a text message group chat.—
Suhauna Hussain,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Jan. 2025
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The common symptoms of POTS include light-headedness, fainting, brain fog, fatigue, headache, blurred vision, tremors, and nausea.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The lawsuit, filed in September 2023 in Sacramento Superior Court, alleged the city was causing a public nuisance by allowing homeless camps on public property.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacramento Bee,
9 Jan. 2025
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Both appeals said the landfill is a nuisance to residents and contend the expansion needed the city's support to proceed under state law.—
Tom Sissom,
arkansasonline.com,
8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Do gentle hip stretches to keep muscles relaxed. Stay hydrated, but avoid bladder irritants like soda or coffee.—
Amy Kwan,
Verywell Health,
14 Jan. 2025
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Multiple officers died after the melee, including Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who suffered two strokes after being sprayed by chemical irritants.—
Alexander Bolton,
The Hill,
6 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Moments of joy and vulnerability are interwoven with frustration, sadness, and fear.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
10 Jan. 2025
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For instance, neurodivergent students may struggle to focus and absorb information effectively, leading to frustration, which further fuels the problem.—
William Jones,
USA TODAY,
10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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These are seasoned with a rub of onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne, then lightly breaded before frying.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
18 Dec. 2024
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Use your five-spice blend as a wing rub, as breading for pork cutlets, in a fragrant mix for cocktail peanuts, or any of the abovementioned recipes.—
Sarah Jampel,
Bon Appétit,
13 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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