spiny

adjective

ˈspī-nē 

spinier; spiniest

1

: abounding with difficulties, obstacles, or annoyances : thorny

spiny problems

2

: covered or armed with spines

broadly : bearing spines, prickles, or thorns

3

: slender and pointed like a spine

spininess noun

Synonyms

• catchy
• delicate
• difficult
• dodgy [chiefly British]
• hairy
• knotty
• nasty
• prickly
• problematic
• problematical
• sensitive
• sticky
• thorny
• ticklish
• touchy
• tough
• tricksy
• tricky

Examples of spiny in a Sentence

this promises to be a spiny problem to negotiate

Recent Examples on the Web

These women are tough and spiny too, given to raucous songs, laughter and the occasional squabble. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 7 Oct. 2024

Many predators have specialized digestive systems that can handle tough or spiny prey, with powerful stomach acids or enzymes that can break down spines or other tough structures. —Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024

It’s long been believed that the first of these animals sported a single, simple shell—but a new fossil, described this week in Science, suggests early mollusks were flat slugs with spiny armor instead. —Molly Herring, science.org, 2 Aug. 2024

Aruban cooks add a spiny, light green cucumber, called concomber, to the stew at the same time as the potatoes. —Roger Sands, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spiny

• spiny anteater
• spiny-headed worm
• spiny lobster

Kids Definition

spiny

adjective

ˈspī-nē 

spinier; spiniest

1

: full of difficulties, obstacles, or problems : thorny

2

: having or covered with spines, thorns, or prickles

spininess noun