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
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
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
See All Example Sentences for vex
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
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
See All Example Sentences for vex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vex
Verb
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If your idea of patience looks like being endlessly agreeable, never getting annoyed, and staying calm through any inconvenience….—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
17 June 2025
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We get used to it quickly, and will be annoyed when it is replaced.—
Roger Dooley,
Forbes.com,
16 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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Also on this episode: With Emmy nomination voting ending on Monday, the Roundtable takes one more look at the major categories, how the number of submissions has changed some of the competition and who didn’t bother to join in.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
20 June 2025
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Orban said in February that organisers should not even bother organizing Pride in Budapest this year.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
19 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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Spicy foods: Spicy foods may irritate the stomach and intestines, which could worsen or extend food poisoning symptoms.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
21 June 2025
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This will irritate them and also decrease their likelihood of returning.—
Bartosz Skwarczek,
Forbes.com,
16 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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With his penchant for menacing models, black-out contact lenses and jutting shoulders, Owens is also a forever torchbearer for different kinds of beauty, and a safe haven for people who feel persecuted for being outside the norm.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
25 June 2025
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The regimes that persecute religious minorities are also the ones that oppress women, LGBTQ people, journalists, and dissidents.—
Nuri Kino,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 June 2025
Verb
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When Burrell wasn’t tapped to join the show’s 28th season in January — after playing a central role in the first 27 — viewers were appalled and even Burrell was baffled.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
New York Daily News,
18 June 2025
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Many bat species live for 20 to 40 years, in the wild or in captivity, baffling scientists.—
Jenny Lehmann,
Discover Magazine,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vex. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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