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

Experts said accountability for employers for hiring unauthorized workers has vexed officials for decades, including both Democratic and Republican administrations. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 28 Nov. 2025

These questions — whether to build a bomb, brace for another war in the case of restarting its nuclear program, or to sit down with its nemesis to hammer out a deal — are undoubtedly vexing for the leadership. —Big Think, 25 Nov. 2025

Particularly vexing to Vellinga is that Chicago Women in Trades is fighting this battle at a time when women still make up less than 5% of the skilled trades workforce nationwide. —Andrea Hsu, NPR, 19 Nov. 2025

Micromoths have long vexed entomologists. —Glenn Zorpette, IEEE Spectrum, 4 Nov. 2025

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