Synonyms

spiny

American

[spahy-nee] / ˈspaɪ ni /

adjective

spinier, spiniest

abounding in or having spines; thorny, as a plant.
covered with or having sharp-pointed processes, as an animal.
in the form of a spine; resembling a spine; spinelike.
troublesome or difficult to handle; thorny.

a spiny problem.

spiny British

/ ˈspaɪnɪ /

adjective

(of animals) having or covered with quills or spines
(of plants) covered with spines; thorny
troublesome to handle; puzzling
shaped like a spine

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

nonspiny adjective
spininess noun

Etymology

Origin of spiny

First recorded in 1580–90; spine + -y ¹

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.

With a sneeze of surprise, Fred scuttled away—from rock to rock, tidal pool to sea—until the beach was covered by spiny iguanas munching free seaweed.

From Literature

My hair was lightening in color, and my hands were callused and bleeding from handling fish with spiny fins and scales.

From Literature

British gardens matter more than ever for hedgehogs, according to a study of the secret night life of the spiny mammals.

From BBC

Opening my eyes, I see my stinky visitor—an opossum, all spiny white fur and beady eyes and black ears like mushrooms sticking up from its head.

From Literature

“When people touch them, it’s kind of cool because their bellies are soft and smooth. Their backs are sharp and spiny. It’s kind of analogous to sharkskin.”

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023