1
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
my coworkers' loud, endless conversations vexed me
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to perplex
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
a mystery novel that is sure to vex even the canniest readers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vex
Why then, when discussing body image after weight changes, is our culture reaching for the language of vexing apparitions and death?
—
Virgie Tovar,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
He has also grown increasingly vexed by the war between Israel and Iran, which has driven up gas prices, rattled financial markets and stoked concerns about inflation.
—
CBS News,
14 June 2026
The film isn’t interested in the ethical issues of a boss sleeping with her underling or how exactly Jackie garnered such a vexing reputation.
—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
8 June 2026
Repairs cost companies and communities, vex corporate executives and politicians and tax work crews.
—
John Ruwitch,
NPR,
3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for vex
Virgie Tovar,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
He has also grown increasingly vexed by the war between Israel and Iran, which has driven up gas prices, rattled financial markets and stoked concerns about inflation.
—
CBS News,
14 June 2026
The film isn’t interested in the ethical issues of a boss sleeping with her underling or how exactly Jackie garnered such a vexing reputation.
—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
8 June 2026
Repairs cost companies and communities, vex corporate executives and politicians and tax work crews.
—
John Ruwitch,
NPR,
3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for vex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vex
Verb
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Damian used to get annoyed with his father's motivational chats about responsibility.
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Three hours before the parade is set to begin, paradegoers are already annoyed at the disorganization and slow-moving lines.
Verb
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Sometimes those editing swings make sense, like incorporating more social-media posts and group chats, but other times the stylistic choices simply perplex.
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Many are perplexed by the decision to partner with Target given the boycott taking place due to the company’s rollback of DEI initiatives.
Verb
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While some of the wives wouldn’t bother coming to games every Sunday, Michel said, many of the children saw the Feeney fathers as proper heroes.
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His pace routinely bothered Sweden, including on one impressive solo run in the first half that produced a quality attacking scenario.
Verb
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For three years straight, he’s kept up a pace that bewilders the industry’s leading comics.
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The narrator and his wife find that their attachment to the charismatic and cryptic Chibi grows with the cat’s increasing visits, in a way that bewilders them but somehow bonds them closer together.
Verb
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Residents were advised that while smoke may be irritating—particularly for those sensitive to air quality—there is currently no order for evacuation or shelter-in-place, despite a similar order already having been issued and lifted twice since the fire's ignition.
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Ammonia is a common industrial chemical that can irritate the eyes and respiratory system when present in elevated concentrations.
Verb
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So The Listeners — not to be confused with 2022’s The Listener starring Tessa Thompson and you in a voice role — is just now reaching the States.
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Why The Market Misprices Good Companies Investors often confuse business quality with investment quality.
Verb
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The necessity of the trip at all is what's been bugging me.
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His doctor had been bugging him for years to get a colonoscopy because of his age, but Driggers declined.
Verb
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The Illinois numbers, especially this year’s, are baffling experts.
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Using humane methods like squirrel baffles and tree nets can effectively keep squirrels out of your fruit trees.
Cite this Entry
“Vex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vex. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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