Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

prickly

[prik-lee] / ˈprɪk li /




Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Cannes is meant to launch ambitious, prickly works by grandmasters and next-generation talents.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

If we’re lucky, this week’s summit in Beijing won’t produce any shocking headlines on Iran, Taiwan, or any of the other prickly issues that divide the U.S. and China.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

Next is a contemporary analysis of how the negotiation was doomed because Spalding sent Anson, a prickly personality, to do the talking.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Driving around Raub, a small town in Malaysia, it's impossible to miss the prickly fruit that powers its economy.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026

Declaration’s note back to me was prickly, bordering on peevish.

From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles




Vocabulary lists containing prickly


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "prickly" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com