as in annoyed
subjected to and reacting with irritation
my dog was clearly vexed with me for having been gone all week, and hardly greeted me when I came home
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also vext
1
as in bothered
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
my coworkers' loud, endless conversations vexed me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in confused
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
a mystery novel that is sure to vex even the canniest readers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of vexed
Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 4 June 2025
Though a seven shot gap to leader Spaun is more than closable for a mercurial talent chasing an unprecedented third consecutive Players crown, Scheffler – typically unflappable – looked uncharacteristically vexed after issues with the strong winds and putting.
—Jack Bantock, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2025
Climate scientists have long been vexed by the disconnect between the dire warnings blared by their models and the restrained policies enacted by world leaders.
—Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vexed
Adjective
But best of all here is the vexed mother/daughter relationship, which can echo Lizzy’s terms with her own mother.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 4 June 2025
Though a seven shot gap to leader Spaun is more than closable for a mercurial talent chasing an unprecedented third consecutive Players crown, Scheffler – typically unflappable – looked uncharacteristically vexed after issues with the strong winds and putting.
—Jack Bantock, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
On the fumble that Josh Sweat caused on the Panthers’ first drive this past weekend, Arizona dialed up a blitz that completely vexed Carolina.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2025
Climate scientists have long been vexed by the disconnect between the dire warnings blared by their models and the restrained policies enacted by world leaders.
—Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vexed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vexed
Adjective
-
But those who disagree or have an outright distaste for NASCAR’s current playoff system only get more annoyed when Logano defends it.—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
-
People are annoyed and impatient.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Craig, also from Staten Island, told Fox News Digital he is not bothered by seeing children.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Stolarz tossed the net out of his way to go after Marchment for crashing into him during the second period, but he wasn’t bothered by the encroachment after the fact.—
Jonas Siegel,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
While some players confused her lyrics for other pop powerhouses', others showed off their Swiftie sides and extensive knowledge of her discography.—
Lex Goldstein,
PEOPLE,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Three stops into The Boy Is Mine Tour this week, fans of Brandy Norwood and Monica were left confused by the abrupt end to Saturday’s concert.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Following her pregnancy and evolving career, Krouse began dealing with sensitive, irritated skin and was struggling to find safe, but effective products.—
Emily Burns,
Footwear News,
22 Oct. 2025
-
The skin under your arms is delicate and can be easily irritated.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The statues, which were carved and placed on the South Pacific's Easter Island between the 12th and 17th centuries, have puzzled travelers since the first European contact was made there in 1722.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
19 Oct. 2025
-
As my children both turned toward me, puzzled at my silence, the last three decades unfurled.—
Sofía Pereda,
USA Today,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Beavan said that fittings are intimate affairs at the best of times, but the failure of some men to cover their dignity sometimes leaves her exasperated.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Yankee Stadium released exasperated groans as New York fell to Toronto’s rotating relievers and the Yankees’ bats faltered in late-inning opportunities.—
The Athletic MLB Staff,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Even after the misunderstanding, Herrera didn't appear to be upset.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Kim was upset, especially when the hamster unexpectedly died shortly after.—
Sydni Ellis,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Nick went to his grave angry The Citadel had let Marc play that day.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Good intentions, sure, but when is angry bipartisanship not going to be a part of the American culture?—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vexed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vexed. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share