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
That the hosts ended the afternoon with a full complement of players will no doubt have vexed Stockport on their trip back across the border after James McClean was fortunate to see yellow rather than red for a crude first-half challenge on Hills.
—
Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Runway construction at Newark has added to delays, vexing executives as the busy summer travel season approaches.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 11 May 2025
The same data demons that vexed the Bruins in the NHL Draft lottery, or that continue to haunt Jim Montgomery following his team’s Game 7 loss to Winnipeg, showed up wearing Blue and Orange Monday.
—Bill Speros, Boston Herald, 7 May 2025
When hounded by Amen Thompson and the same Houston wings who had vexed him at Chase Center, Curry schooled the young Rockets in the rematch en route to 31 points.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vex
Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Runway construction at Newark has added to delays, vexing executives as the busy summer travel season approaches.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 11 May 2025
The same data demons that vexed the Bruins in the NHL Draft lottery, or that continue to haunt Jim Montgomery following his team’s Game 7 loss to Winnipeg, showed up wearing Blue and Orange Monday.
—Bill Speros, Boston Herald, 7 May 2025
When hounded by Amen Thompson and the same Houston wings who had vexed him at Chase Center, Curry schooled the young Rockets in the rematch en route to 31 points.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vex
Verb
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The comedy as a second-class sibling to the drama is a notion that has annoyed the people who make television comedies for years.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
7 June 2025
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In some cases, that will be obvious: You’ll get annoyed by weird or loud noises and odors, notice your energy bill has skyrocketed, or spot signs of a leak.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
3 June 2025
Verb
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With appetites for true crime documentaries seemingly insatiable, some viewers will be perplexed and even frustrated at how the directors don’t want to play investigative reporter or detective.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
6 June 2025
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They’re perplexed by the new arrival in their midst, but in time Laura and the lonely, unforthcoming Max warm to each other, and the four form an odd, intuitive family unit.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
17 May 2025
Verb
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This is an arrangement that bothers Kagi's founder.—
Ryan Whitwam,
ArsTechnica,
6 June 2025
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Understandably, the online narrative bothered the director as well.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Ten years ago, the Kardashians’ floods of content bewildered us.—
M. J. Corey,
New Yorker,
24 May 2025
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Lee’s downfall initially bewildered those who knew and cared about him.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who Trump initially tapped to co-lead DOGE, pushed for an expansion of the program as way to attract global talent, irritating immigration hawks in the conservative movement.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
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Use Insect Repellent to Avoid Bug Bites Stinging, biting, and otherwise irritating bugs are prevalent in summer.—
Sarah Richards,
Verywell Health,
3 June 2025
Verb
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Map their journey to spot every gap, make buying effortless with fewer steps, communicate clearly so no one gets confused, add personal touches that create connection, and follow up fast to turn buyers into advocates.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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Letters: Washington, D.C., has a deficit of humanity Do not confuse my warning to Israel for a shred of understanding for what Hamas did on Oct. 7, 2023.—
Thomas L. Friedman,
Mercury News,
14 June 2025
Verb
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In 1968 a Jewish Dutch woman named Selma Vos was persecuted to death along with her husband, Cao Richang, an eminent psychologist who had helped found the Institute of Psychology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.—
Nan Z. Da
June 10,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2025
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Abrego Garcia was subject to a 2019 withholding order by a judge forbidding his removal to El Salvador because of concerns he would be persecuted there.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
6 June 2025
Verb
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How Harry has changed under the influence of Meghan Markle has been baffling both to the royal family and beyond.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2025
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So, for the club to be entertaining flogging, the one man who has bucked that trend is baffling.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vex. Accessed 21 Jun. 2025.
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