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
Johnson’s game plan runs counter to the wishes of the Freedom Caucus, which has a track record of being a thorn in the side of leadership and revolting against top lawmakers — at times grinding the House to a halt — when their preferences are not prioritized.
—
Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025
At times, the offense has looked so good that Sam Darnold is now the hottest free agent this offseason, while the defense has been a thorn in quarterbacks sides with Flores’ relentless blitzing (Minnesota leads the league in blitz percentage).
—Austin Mock, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
The senior forward was a thorn in the Huskies’ side two years ago, before the ACL injury that claimed most of his 2023-24 season and, seemingly, much of this year as well.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 4 Jan. 2025
Fundraising is the backbone of many nonprofits' sustainability and often a thorn in their sides.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for thorn 
Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025
At times, the offense has looked so good that Sam Darnold is now the hottest free agent this offseason, while the defense has been a thorn in quarterbacks sides with Flores’ relentless blitzing (Minnesota leads the league in blitz percentage).
—Austin Mock, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
The senior forward was a thorn in the Huskies’ side two years ago, before the ACL injury that claimed most of his 2023-24 season and, seemingly, much of this year as well.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 4 Jan. 2025
Fundraising is the backbone of many nonprofits' sustainability and often a thorn in their sides.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
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Other research has found that living near a factory farm is positively associated with risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia, and people who live near them report higher rates of headaches, depression, anger, and respiratory symptoms, such as asthma.—
Kenny Torrella,
Vox,
23 Jan. 2025
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Stone developed a powder from this bark which, while extremely bitter, proved an effective treatment for headaches.—
Bill Frist,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
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With no power to fend off poultry farms, neighbors live with stench and nuisances North Carolina keeps poultry farm locations secret.—
Gavin Off,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Jan. 2025
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Like with skateboarding, Kemp says, many leaders saw stickball as a nuisance that disrupted commerce.—
Greg Rosalsky,
NPR,
14 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Pollutants like carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and environmental tobacco smoke are significant irritants that can impact your breathing.—
Nora Colomer,
Fox News,
17 Jan. 2025
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Sensitive Skin Soothing Care’s formula, produced in a white room, has active ingredients from plants and no preservatives, since those can be irritants.—
Jennifer Weil,
WWD,
14 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Fun small bedroom ideas feel hard to come by, and frustration sets in before anything actually improves in your space.—
Rachel Davies,
Architectural Digest,
23 Jan. 2025
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As frustration mounts, a once-fringe idea regains traction: secession.—
Dr. Alex Gold,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady did an excellent job of scheming up rub concepts to get receivers open in Week 11 and Buffalo targeted corner Nazeeh Johnson in man coverage on deep passes three times, completing two for 55 yards.—
Ted Nguyen,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
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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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Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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