thorny

knotty

Complex and difficult

• problematicCausing difficulty or concern
• vexingCausing mild torment
• troublesomeCausing difficulty or annoyance

challenging · arduous · demanding · perplexing · daunting · formidable · intractable · contentious · divisive · delicate

prickly

Spiny or irritable

• barbedHaving sharp projections
• spikyHaving sharp projections
• bramblesThorny wild shrubs

briar · rosebush · hawthorn · blackberry · raspberry · gorse · nettles · burdock · thistle · acacia

armor

Protective combat covering

• spikesSharp metal protrusions
• quillsHollow defensive animal spikes
• barrierObstruction preventing passage

shield · deterrent · barbs · prickles · fortification · repellent · guard · briar · bramble · spines

sharp

Fine-edged, or astute

• piercingPenetrating or very sharp
• stingingCausing sharp pain
• prickingPuncturing with something sharp

scratching · lacerating · jabbing · snagging · puncturing · wounding · searing · biting · tearing

intricate

Elaborately detailed, many parts

• convolutedExcessively complex or twisted
• entangledTwisted together inseparably
• tangledTwisted confusedly together

labyrinthine · byzantine · complicated · nuanced · multifaceted · tortuous · elaborate · knotted · winding · serpentine

divisive

Causing sharp disagreement

• polarizingCausing sharp division
• contentiousInclined toward disagreement
• hot-buttonEmotionally charged, controversial

disputed · debate · disagreement · polemic · provocative · incendiary · charged · sensitive · touchy · inflammatory

• plant traitsspiny, evergreen, deciduous, flowering, perennial
• blackberrieswild blackberry, Logan, dewberry, Marion, Himalayan
• texturessmoothness, smooth, soft, rough, roughness
• floral adjectivesfragrant, blooming, floral, flowery, petaled
• obstacle wordsimpassable, blocking, steep, slippery, treacherous
• farm adjectivesagrarian, arable, cultivated, fallow, fertile