thorn

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.

Manchester City have been a thorn in Arsenal's side in their quest for silverware.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Unibev was already well-known as a thorn in the side of Tesla’s trademark lawyers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

The move came days after Gail Slater, the Justice Department’s antitrust chief, was bounced from her job, reportedly after becoming a thorn in the side of some business interests.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

Before becoming premier Takaichi was a regular at the Yasukuni shrine, a flashpoint site honouring Japan's war dead that has long been a thorn in regional ties.

From Barron's • Feb. 5, 2026

She grabbed the spear, which was lying against the thorn barrier, and quickly unhooked the ladder.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer