1
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
my coworkers' loud, endless conversations vexed me
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to perplex
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
a mystery novel that is sure to vex even the canniest readers
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vex
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
See All Example Sentences for vex
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
See All Example Sentences for vex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vex
Verb
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Damian used to get annoyed with his father's motivational chats about responsibility.
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Three hours before the parade is set to begin, paradegoers are already annoyed at the disorganization and slow-moving lines.
Verb
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Sometimes those editing swings make sense, like incorporating more social-media posts and group chats, but other times the stylistic choices simply perplex.
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Many are perplexed by the decision to partner with Target given the boycott taking place due to the company’s rollback of DEI initiatives.
Verb
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While some of the wives wouldn’t bother coming to games every Sunday, Michel said, many of the children saw the Feeney fathers as proper heroes.
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His pace routinely bothered Sweden, including on one impressive solo run in the first half that produced a quality attacking scenario.
Verb
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For three years straight, he’s kept up a pace that bewilders the industry’s leading comics.
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The narrator and his wife find that their attachment to the charismatic and cryptic Chibi grows with the cat’s increasing visits, in a way that bewilders them but somehow bonds them closer together.
Verb
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But for those who just want to grab a bite or see a movie at the IMAX theater, the security protocol is an additional — possibly irritating — barrier.
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Carpet shampoos often have a strong fragrance, which can irritate those sensitive to scent.
Verb
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The decision reverses a June 15 determination by Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher, who concluded the Petersburg resident's candidacy was intended to confuse voters rather than represent a legitimate campaign.
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The senator and allies, including the National Republican Senatorial Committee, have condemned the challenger’s efforts to join the race, arguing his presence could confuse voters.
Verb
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The necessity of the trip at all is what's been bugging me.
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His doctor had been bugging him for years to get a colonoscopy because of his age, but Driggers declined.
Verb
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In the sixth inning, Jasson Domínguez battled Skubal for eight pitches, surviving against the stuff that baffled him earlier in the game.
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His mother, Ahmani Hicks, describes him as a kid who loved sports, and she's baffled as to why her son was targeted.
Cite this Entry
“Vex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vex. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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