as in frustrating
causing annoyance
the constantly changing schedule was somewhat vexing, but I coped
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in annoying
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
my coworkers' loud, endless conversations vexed me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in puzzling
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
a mystery novel that is sure to vex even the canniest readers
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vexing
Susan Tallman,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
On the other hand, the potential to solve mankind’s most vexing problems is tantalizing.
—
G. Allen Johnson,
San Francisco Chronicle,
24 Mar. 2026
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
13 May 2026
These are accompanied by jarring, discordant music tone outbursts accented with a vexing metallic buzz.
—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for vexing
Adjective
Finally, in overcoming this vexing moment, the two would establish a painterly repartee that altered the trajectory of their own work and, by extension, modern art.
—
Susan Tallman,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
On the other hand, the potential to solve mankind’s most vexing problems is tantalizing.
—
G. Allen Johnson,
San Francisco Chronicle,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
Now, more and more people are making a case for appreciating those once-vexing clovers.
—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
13 May 2026
These are accompanied by jarring, discordant music tone outbursts accented with a vexing metallic buzz.
—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for vexing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vexing
Adjective
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So with that, that is extremely frustrating to, to members of Congress, especially Senate Republicans who think legislation like the bipartisan housing bill is good for voters heading into the midterms.
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But months later, Feldstein Soto’s office still hasn’t executed the contracts, frustrating tenants rights advocates and the nonprofits, which are struggling to pay their staff without the funds from the city.
Verb
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Weird; annoying even – but the floaters did not seem urgent.
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My biggest concern about adding a tracking device around Mya’s neck was annoying her or creating disruption.
Verb
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And the performances from South Korea at the World Cup so far have been puzzling, given the talent at manager Hong Myung-bo’s disposal.
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In 2015, scientists first described a tiny and puzzling species of hominin from an unusually rich cache of fossils found at a site known as Dinaledi Chamber within the cave system.
Adjective
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Greenberg tried his best to ignore an irritating ankle injury that had plagued him the last couple of weeks and grimaced under the hazy sunlight as the pitcher, probably 20 or more years his junior, stared him down.
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The hypoallergenic face serum is free from potentially irritating ingredients, such as parabens and synthetic fragrances, too.
Verb
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That shift may help explain why some couples notice their partner’s scent bothering them more during periods of conflict.
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The chest pain that had been bothering her finally let up.
Verb
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The Illinois numbers, especially this year’s, are baffling experts.
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For more than four minutes Darnold drove downfield, connecting on three of four passes, baffling the pass rushers, bleeding the clock, and by the time the Seahawks finally gave the ball back, the Rams had only 25 seconds to live.
Adjective
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The film is a modern take on the creature horror film told from the perspective of a young boy who slowly begins to discover that his beloved parents are hiding a disturbing secret about his mother’s true nature.
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This past Juneteenth weekend saw a spate of shooting incidents that underscored a disturbing trend.
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.
Cite this Entry
“Vexing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vexing. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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