2
controversial
2
convoluted(adjective, difficulty, difficult, complex, involved)
2
cuspidate
2
dangerous(adjective, bad, delicate, heavy, tricky)
2
embarrassing(difficult, tricky, problematic)
2
enigmatic(hard, tricky, complicated)
2
harsh(adjective, difficult)
2
irksome(adjective, difficult, problematic)
2
jagged(adjective, sharp)
2
nipping
2
onerous(adjective, difficult)
2
spiculose
2
splenetic
2
tapering
1
acanaceous
1
acicular
1
aciform
1
acuate
1
aculeolate
1
acuminate
11 years ago|7k views|share |citing 
APASmart Define. (2015). thorny thesaurus. Retrieved September 28, 2026, from https://smartdefine.org/thorny/thesaurus/synonyms
ChicagoSmart Define. 2015. "thorny thesaurus" https://smartdefine.org/thorny/thesaurus/synonyms (accessed September 28, 2026).
HarvardSmart Define 2015, thorny thesaurus, Smart Define, viewed 28 September, 2026, <https://smartdefine.org/thorny/thesaurus/synonyms>.
MLASmart Define. "thorny thesaurus" 13 April 2015. Web. 28 September 2026. <https://smartdefine.org/thorny/thesaurus/synonyms>