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
Because the 59-year-old MAGA actor has stumbled into a debate that’s been vexing DC fans for more than six decades.
—
Benjamin Svetkey,
HollywoodReporter,
16 June 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for vex
Benjamin Svetkey,
HollywoodReporter,
16 June 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for vex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vex
Verb
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Paraguay’s tactics, seeking to frustrate and disrupt France, had annoyed Henry as well as the current team and coach.
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Others are annoyed that its ambiguous language will create confusion over how — or if — the state will enforce compliance.
Verb
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And Wednesday’s doubleheader — thanks to a Monday rainout that perplexed Counsell — certainly didn’t help the pitching staff.
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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.
Verb
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For all the chatter about his choices in handbags, Haaland doesn’t seem remotely bothered.
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What bothers me is the foot-dragging, the spinning in circles, the slow degradation of these characters into annoying stereotypes.
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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Avoid potentially irritating actives Immediately after shaving is not the time to reach for your strongest skin-care products.
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While some of my linen pieces feel scratchy, this one is ultra soft and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.
Verb
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That is important because a boxy robotaxi that can drive both ways may confuse pedestrians, cyclists or other drivers.
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One of the biggest mistakes students make is confusing a loan approval with an affordability recommendation.
Verb
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What really bugs me about this moment, and about the battle and its aftermath, is the lack of feeling.
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The necessity of the trip at all is what's been bugging me.
Verb
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His focus on the voting bill, instead of signing one that tackles a top issue for voters, has left some GOP strategists baffled.
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Keith played conservative social climber Margo Leadbetter, who is baffled by her neighbor Tom's sustainability-centric lifestyle with wife Barbara Good (Felicity Kendal).
Cite this Entry
“Vex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vex. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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