thorny

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.

The "thorny issue" of how the reforms were to be funded was "not resolved either", she said, and "more money will be required than can be raised through water bills".

From BBC

The team found eight references to this thorny species, known as Vachellia leucophloea, which has feathery leaves, pale yellow bark, and white flowers.

From Science Daily

But it’s to Raimi and the actors’ credit that they manage to make such an odious character as Bradley actually sympathetic — and so clear a heroine as Linda complex and thorny.

From Los Angeles Times

The deft integration of story and song, and the willingness to tackle thorny themes through complex characters, are the enduring hallmarks of their shows.

From The Wall Street Journal

The dirt lane to my new billet is lined with trees and thorny bushes, barely wide enough for one car.

From Literature