vexing

adjective

vex·​ing ˈvek-siŋ How to pronounce vexing (audio)
: causing or likely to cause vexation : vexatious
a vexing problem
vexingly adverb

Examples of vexing in a Sentence

the constantly changing schedule was somewhat vexing, but I coped
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What follows are the observations of a trio of housing industry veterans, each with different takes on the extent of -- and possible ways to chip away at – the vexing problem. Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 But financial crimes are just one piece of the puzzle that has bedeviled the family for over a decade — another just as vexing is a bombshell allegation made by Mark Braddock, a former business partner of Todd's during the fraud trial. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2025 Because an agreement for both sides to free civilian detainees and exchange POWs is relatively low-hanging fruit in diplomacy with the Kremlin, securing it could help smooth the way for talks over more vexing issues. Tanya Lokshina, Foreign Affairs, 15 Aug. 2025 Although proximity makes for easier studies, this is counterbalanced against the system’s vexing complexity. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vexing

Word History

First Known Use

1569, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vexing was in 1569

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vexing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vexing. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

vexing

adjective
: causing or likely to cause vexation : vexatious
a vexing problem

More from Merriam-Webster on vexing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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