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
Chris Jackson/Reuters Mr. Carney, a former executive who has tried to bypass politics, announced ambitious plans to remove by July stubborn interprovincial trade barriers that have vexed his predecessors.
—
Sara Miller Llana, Christian Science Monitor, 16 June 2025
The decision has vexed supporters of the program and of journalism in general, who charge Paramount executives risk tarnishing a media brand that has long sought to hold power to account and to probe events with an independent lens.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 24 July 2025
Newer quirks have vexed Jeffrey Meli, now a clinical professor of finance at NYU’s Stern School of Business, who left the banking group Barclays after twenty years to study how reforms have distributed risk across the financial system.
—Mary Childs, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
The technique, known as SIM swapping or port-out fraud, has been a scourge that has vexed wireless carriers and their millions of subscribers for years.
—ArsTechnica, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for vex
Sara Miller Llana, Christian Science Monitor, 16 June 2025
The decision has vexed supporters of the program and of journalism in general, who charge Paramount executives risk tarnishing a media brand that has long sought to hold power to account and to probe events with an independent lens.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 24 July 2025
Newer quirks have vexed Jeffrey Meli, now a clinical professor of finance at NYU’s Stern School of Business, who left the banking group Barclays after twenty years to study how reforms have distributed risk across the financial system.
—Mary Childs, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
The technique, known as SIM swapping or port-out fraud, has been a scourge that has vexed wireless carriers and their millions of subscribers for years.
—ArsTechnica, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for vex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vex
Verb
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This not only infuriated Epstein conspiracy theorists but also annoyed White House officials, who hadn’t been informed of the stunt in advance.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
18 Aug. 2025
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But overall, people seem to finally comprehend that the protests aren’t just to annoy people.—
Michelle L. Quinn,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Having witnessed Axel's affection firsthand, Ollie's staff members are perplexed that the pup hasn't found his forever home, despite searching for an adopter for over a year.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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The revelation perplexed Wall Street traders, who had expected bullion to be exempt from duties.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
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There are many players who let criticism bother them, and that’s bad for you, your teammates and people around you.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
19 Aug. 2025
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Passive-aggressive people rarely tell you exactly what’s bothering them.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Will people be bewildered as to the difference between speaking of the two-word AI versus any of these three-word variations? Likely.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
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We are bewildered with taking action regarding energy and climate change, even though suggestions and answers have been available for over 50 years.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
24 July 2025
Verb
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As Venus irritates Pluto, exploring an office entanglement might not be a good idea!—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
2 Aug. 2025
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In fact, vitamin C, chemical exfoliants (like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid), and retinol shouldn’t be used together all at once, since this combination can irritate and inflame the skin (including your existing hyperpigmentation).—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The refusal by the union to obey the order left many travelers at Toronto Pearson International Airport confused and frustrated on Aug. 17.—
Allison Lampert,
USA Today,
17 Aug. 2025
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The Chiefs looked overwhelmed and confused at times.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
16 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In late-night filings Thursday, the Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office pushed back on recent framing by Combs’ lawyers portraying him as persecuted.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
1 Aug. 2025
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Open Doors is a global Christian charity which supports and speaks up for Christians persecuted for their faith.—
Paul Tilsley,
FOXNews.com,
31 July 2025
Verb
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First of all, I’m baffled how any sort of mail, let alone bags and bags of it, was able to travel from a bloody battlefield to London.—
Lincee Ray Published,
EW.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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But when Harper-as-Anna attempts to flirt with him, he’s baffled.—
Esther Zuckerman,
Vulture,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vex. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.
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