prick
ly
Comparative
more prickly
Superlative
most prickly
1
having a tendency to become easily irritated or offended
- Her prickly personality made it difficult for others to approach her with feedback.
- He became prickly when the topic of his past mistakes came up in conversation.
- His prickly attitude during the meeting frustrated the team and stifled collaboration.
- Conversations with him can be tricky due to his prickly personality.
- Despite her prickly exterior, she cares deeply about her friends.
2
having a texture that feels sharp, spiky, or rough to the touch
- The surface of the cactus was prickly to the touch, warning of potential discomfort.
- The thistle plant had prickly leaves that deterred animals from grazing on it.
- The texture of the pinecone was prickly, with each scale featuring a tiny, pointed tip.
- The stem of the rose bush was prickly, adorned with sharp thorns.
- The straw mat had a prickly feel, causing discomfort when walked upon barefoot.
3
causing a stinging or tingling sensation
- The prickly sensation on her skin warned her of an allergic reaction.
- After falling into the bushes, he felt a prickly pain from the thorns.
- The nettles gave her a prickly rash that lasted for days.
- He winced at the prickly sensation from the hot pepper in his mouth.
- The prickly feeling in his throat signaled the onset of a cold.
4
causing difficulty or discomfort
- The conversation turned prickly when they discussed politics.
- Navigating the prickly issue of layoffs required careful communication.
- She found herself in a prickly situation when her two friends clashed.
- Addressing the prickly topic of finances can lead to tension in relationships.
- The prickly nature of the negotiations made everyone on edge.