vex

verb

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\ ˈveks

vexed also vext\ ˈvekst

\; vexing

Definition of vex

transitive verb

1a : 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 Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About vex

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 Complex supply chains involving a multitude of vendors and facilities, each with their own capabilities and limitations, can vex larger operations; smaller brands face other roadblocks. — Shawnté Salabert, Outside Online, 14 June 2018 Usually, that was enough to vex the sometimes-ornery geese into scattering with little to no serious repercussions for Widman or the pair of helpers who abetted him in collecting eggs. — Marion Renault, The Atlantic, 19 May 2022 While most economists tend to acknowledge the same causes of inflation, many disagree which elements are most driving the price increases that continue to vex American consumers. — NBC News, 16 Feb. 2022 A down year for potential franchise passers would likely vex most teams that landed the No. 1 pick. — Michael Middlehurst-schwartz, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2022 The loyalty problem, so evident with the ANAP, soon would vex the ALP, too. — David Axe, Forbes, 30 Aug. 2021 Among the many things that vex him is Matthiessen’s equanimity in the face of his failure to see a snow leopard, the sense that its absence was just as significant as its presence. — Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 5 July 2021 But even with better radar detection, the physics of hypersonic weapons will still vex the defenders. — Michael Peck, Forbes, 17 June 2021 In this self-consciously boring approach, Russia would resemble any number of other countries whose political cultures and provocations vex American policymakers, but that are not perceived as nemeses. — Michael Kimmage, The New Republic, 9 June 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vex.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near vex

Vevey

vex

vexation

Statistics for vex

Last Updated

5 Aug 2022

Cite this Entry

“Vex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vex. Accessed 9 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for vex

vex

verb

\ ˈveks

vexed; vexing

Kids Definition of vex

1 : to bring trouble, distress, or worry to "It is an excellent plan to have some place where we can go to be quiet, when things vex or grieve us."— Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

2 : to annoy by small irritations Flies vexed the cows.