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
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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 puzzled
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
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Recent Examples of vexed
Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
The vexed issue has been a matter of negotiation between actors’ union Equity and producer trade body Pact for more than a year.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 8 Jan. 2026
The House will return from a holiday break to face sagas that have vexed the chamber for months.
—Emily Brooks, The Hill, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vexed
Adjective
Brooding in the historical background are the plantations, the vexed issue of where the money comes from that underwrites all this charm, these impeccable manners, this unsteady gaiety.
—Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
The vexed issue has been a matter of negotiation between actors’ union Equity and producer trade body Pact for more than a year.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
And notably, while operating as a center, the position that has vexed Nnaji in recent years.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 8 Jan. 2026
The House will return from a holiday break to face sagas that have vexed the chamber for months.
—Emily Brooks, The Hill, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vexed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vexed
Adjective
-
One scene shows an annoyed President Obama, trying to have a private conversation with Tutu, whose security detail quickly pushes back the camera team.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Some, without even asking, just threw up their hands, and, annoyed, picked up their pace and kept walking up Vorovsky Street.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But in securing gold, Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara from Japan didn’t seem to be bothered by any of that.—
Alice Park,
Time,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The American government never even bothered to tell their family members.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
He was puzzled by friends who bought band T-shirts and obsessed over concerts.—
Shayla Love,
New Yorker,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Store employees were puzzled about any alleged involvement with El Primo.—
Tim Dunn,
Boston Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
As the match continued, the sides grew irritated with each other, resulting in Kennedy hurling expletives at the Swedish team in defense of himself and both sides argued across the ice.—
Sean Nevin,
NBC news,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Avoid installation on irritated or broken scalp skin.—
Emily Kay Votruba,
EverydayHealth.com,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Instead, Ladinig says Pierre Haobsh bugged Henry Han's computer with a spyware app called a keylogger.—
Natalie Morales,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Feeling good Weathers has been bugged by several injuries over the last few years.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Yet Howe, his coaches and recruitment staff were baffled by such early criticism.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Even Proctor’s defense attorney seemed baffled by the district attorney’s office’s handling of the case.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Chau is perfectly exasperated and defiant.—
Kathleen Newman-Bremang,
Refinery29,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Eventually, my exasperated mom found us and marched us to the big arena, on the other side of Interstate 70, to witness the big show.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The result is that, despite existing household pains owing to more expensive fuel, a resurgent kidnapping crisis that exposes deep security vulnerabilities, and external pressure from a US government that claims Christians are persecuted in Nigeria, Tinubu has expanded his base and looks strong.—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Branding peaceful protesters as ‘terrorists,’ and Christians that are persecuted every year as ‘Zionist mercenaries,’ is nothing but scapegoating.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vexed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vexed. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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