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
Through The Associated Press, which first reported on the order in August, and National Public Radio, ABC News and others, the story of prayerful nuns vexing giant companies has gone worldwide, placing McCracken, as head of the order’s shareholder activism, at the center.
—
Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2025
No pricey change orders or vexing turnaround times required.
—Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Listen to this article Radar and telecommunications systems for Newark Airport’s air traffic controllers failed Friday morning — the second time the two critical systems went down at the same time in less than two weeks — as delays at the critical hub continue to vex travelers.
—Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 9 May 2025
Wallach argues that the Founders intended Congress to defuse the kind of polarization currently vexing our politics.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vex
Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2025
No pricey change orders or vexing turnaround times required.
—Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Listen to this article Radar and telecommunications systems for Newark Airport’s air traffic controllers failed Friday morning — the second time the two critical systems went down at the same time in less than two weeks — as delays at the critical hub continue to vex travelers.
—Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 9 May 2025
Wallach argues that the Founders intended Congress to defuse the kind of polarization currently vexing our politics.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vex
Verb
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Francie instantly annoys Nat by kissing Pete hello, and the two women start yelling at each other immediately.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
27 June 2025
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If visible bulbs and cables annoy you, these aren’t for you.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
26 June 2025
Verb
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The stock comeback of the last two months has perplexed many investors, who remain befuddled by the market's insistence to look past conflict, tariffs and major challenges to the economic outlook, to make short work of recovering losses from their April lows.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
20 June 2025
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That wasn't enough to heal Carol's injury, however, leaving her owner perplexed about how to help the pup.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 June 2025
Verb
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While notification bundles were an option before, they were primarily used for messaging, and not all developers bothered.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
30 June 2025
-
If Waldron wasn’t battered, then Phillies starter Zack Wheeler was hardly bothered.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Lynskey says she’s been bewildered by the fans who’ve directed online vitriol at Shauna this season, while seemingly forgiving the sins of Shauna’s husband Jeff (Warren Cole) and the heinous crimes committed by Misty (Christina Ricci).—
Todd Longwell,
Variety,
2 June 2025
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Both were bewildered by this fashion design travesty.—
Sherry Kuehl,
Kansas City Star,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Jake Paul’s everyday unscented face wash avoids irritating fragrances but is infused with vitamin B3 to help keep your skin hydrated.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
30 June 2025
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Work exposures: If you are frequently exposed to irritating chemicals or substances, your risk of dermatitis is higher.—
Carrie Madormo,
Health,
29 June 2025
Verb
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The man is Jack Ryan, not to be confused with the Jack Ryan dreamed up by Tom Clancy.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
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Fun fact: Ferdinando de’ Medici, Grand Prince of Tuscany, as a patron of the arts Ferdinando de’ Medici, Grand Prince of Tuscany (not to be confused with his ancestor Ferdinando I de’ Medici, the second Grand Duke of Tuscany), was both a patron of musicians and a talented performer himself.—
Aurora Martínez,
Smithsonian Magazine,
27 June 2025
Verb
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There may be no animal that has been more revered and reviled, romanticized and persecuted, adopted and murdered than the coyote.—
Helen Whybrow
July 7,
Literary Hub,
7 July 2025
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Asylum seekers must prove their government is persecuting them or that they're being persecuted by someone who the government is unable or unwilling to stop.—
Victoria Moorwood,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Verb
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But Bird also throws a devastating slider to right-handers and a curveball that can baffle.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
28 June 2025
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The sheriff is as baffled as anyone else, wondering how anyone as recognizable as Roy could disappear in plain sight.—
Dateline NBC,
NBC news,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vex. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
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