vex

verb

ˈveks 

vexed also vext ˈvekst  ; vexing

transitive verb

1

a

: to bring trouble, distress, or agitation to

the restaurant is vexed by slow service

b

: to bring physical distress to

a headache vexed him all morning

c

: to irritate or annoy by petty provocations : harass

vexed by the children

d

: puzzle, baffle

a problem to vex the keenest wit

2

: to shake or toss about

Synonyms of vex

• annoy
• bother
• irritate
• bug
• persecute
• aggravate

Choose the Right Synonym for vex

annoy, vex, irk, bother mean to upset a person's composure.

annoy implies a wearing on the nerves by persistent petty unpleasantness.

their constant complaining annoys us

vex implies greater provocation and stronger disturbance and usually connotes anger but sometimes perplexity or anxiety.

vexed by her son's failure to clean his room

irk stresses difficulty in enduring and the resulting weariness or impatience of spirit.

careless waste irks the boss

bother suggests interference with comfort or peace of mind.

don't bother me while I'm reading

Examples of vex in a Sentence

This problem has vexed researchers for years.

We were vexed by the delay.

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French vexer, from Latin vexare to agitate, harry; probably akin to Latin vehere to convey — more at way

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for vex

• becks
• checks
• czechs
• decks
• dex
• ex
• flecks
• flex
• hex
• lex
• necks
• pecks

Kids Definition

vex

verb

ˈveks 

vexed also vext; vexing

1

: to bring trouble, distress, or worry to

vexed by thoughts of what could have been

2

: to annoy continually with little irritations

vexed by the children