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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb vex differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of vex are annoy, bother, and irk. While all these words mean "to upset a person's composure," 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

Where would annoy be a reasonable alternative to vex?

The synonyms annoy and vex are sometimes interchangeable, but annoy implies a wearing on the nerves by persistent petty unpleasantness.

their constant complaining annoys us

When can bother be used instead of vex?

While the synonyms bother and vex are close in meaning, bother suggests interference with comfort or peace of mind.

don't bother me while I'm reading

When is it sensible to use irk instead of vex?

In some situations, the words irk and vex are roughly equivalent. However, irk stresses difficulty in enduring and the resulting weariness or impatience of spirit.

careless waste irks the boss

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of vex Sluggish consumption, a manufacturing glut and prolonged woes in the country’s vast property sector are among the main challenges now vexing Beijing policymakers and businesses. Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025 On the fumble that Josh Sweat caused on the Panthers’ first drive this past weekend, Arizona dialed up a blitz that completely vexed Carolina. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2025 Take time to dig out vexing taproots, such as those of dandelions and mulberry seedlings. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025 But how to stop the train and ultimately turn it around remains a major question that is vexing lawmakers. Al Weaver, The Hill, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vex
Verb
  • Ball doesn’t seem annoyed by the memes yet, but the NBA season hasn’t officially started, so there’s still time.
    Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
  • He was annoyed when people advocated that.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Illston appeared frustrated and perplexed by the government's unwillingness to engage on the merits during the hearing.
    Andrea Hsu, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The 18 runs plundered off one over was the most Jasprit Bumrah had ever conceded in Tests, leaving the bowler perplexed as he was replaced.
    Sam Dalling, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Such hard coaching would bother some players.
    Jay King, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Continue reading … HIT THE ROAD – Duffy responds to trucker who 'couldn't be bothered' to learn English in America.
    , FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The sense of arbitrariness that had previously bewildered and frustrated me was drowned out by excitement and sheer aesthetic pleasure.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Cody Meissner, a pediatric professor at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine who has served on ACIP in the past—arguably the most qualified of Kennedy's new lineup—was bewildered at why the committee was rehashing the issue addressed years ago.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Combining three different actives (AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs) in one product without totally irritating the skin seems like an impossible task, yet Some by Mi has accomplished it with this ease.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Always dilute apple cider vinegar with water and drink through a straw to avoid damaging tooth enamel and irritating the esophagus.
    Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But too often, this instinct to chase conflict distorts reality and confuses the public.
    Nancy Gibbs, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
  • This view confuses structure with behavior.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • These regimes persecute minorities, jail anyone who speaks freely, and rule through fear and censorship.
    Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Blasphemy accusations have been used repeatedly to persecute Christians and other religious minorities in the country.
    Sean Nelson, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But the immediacy around these conversations about the Titans are baffling to me.
    Nick Suss, Nashville Tennessean, 13 Oct. 2025
  • And suddenly, Glenn and the Jets headed to halftime without running a play in the nearly 40 seconds at their disposal, a move that baffled both their loyalists in New Jersey and the Broncos’ sideline across the pond.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vex. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vex

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