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 confused
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 vexed
Lisa Anderson, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2025
Artist agents find their roles less vexed, embracing a new value system that hews closer to the way the market actually operates.
—Natasha Degen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024
Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 8 Apr. 2024
Those obstacles, which vexed Harris and her predecessors, are part of the same curse that could shape the future presidential prospects of Vice President-elect JD Vance.
—Ian Prasad Philbrick, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for vexed
Adjective
More broadly, Cairo seeks to redeem the vexed legacy of Camp David.
—Lisa Anderson, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2025
Artist agents find their roles less vexed, embracing a new value system that hews closer to the way the market actually operates.
—Natasha Degen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
Chase Field has long vexed the MLB franchise.
—Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 8 Apr. 2024
Those obstacles, which vexed Harris and her predecessors, are part of the same curse that could shape the future presidential prospects of Vice President-elect JD Vance.
—Ian Prasad Philbrick, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for vexed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vexed
Adjective
-
Who gets annoyed when one of them comes to visit us?—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
29 July 2025
-
The match Sunday between Britain’s Cameron Norrie and Nicolás Jarry turned into a deliciously passive-aggressive battle, as the Chilean grew increasingly annoyed with how long his opponent was bouncing the ball for between serves.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
With the exception of the Russell 2000, which gained 1%, none of the major indices bothered to get out of bed the day after Christmas.—
JJ Kinahan,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
-
In fact, if you can’t be bothered even to reach for the remote to select this new button, the latest firmware update will also automatically start playing the next episode after a countdown.—
John Archer,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Many people get confused by these forms which contain code and jargon that rarely offer a clear explanation of anything.—
Steve Weisman,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Not to be confused with DEI training, skill building is a way to help people improve their communication skills, negotiation style and overall understanding of relevant topics, all while leveling up professionally.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes,
21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Within minutes, even irritated scalps feel noticeably healthier.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Foods and drinks like chicken soup, tea, and popsicles can soothe an irritated throat.—
Karen Berger,
Verywell Health,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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Reprising his role as the exasperated accountant, Oscar (played by actor Oscar Nunez) wants no part in the crew’s latest project.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Jess Walter’s sublime ‘So Far Gone’ finds redemption in exasperated Pacific Northwest exile.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
Umpires must already see pitches accurately, move well and handle upset managers and players.—
Becky Sullivan,
NPR,
13 Aug. 2025
-
All three have gone after one another while 71-year-old conservative activist and talk show host Curtis Sliwa aims for a major upset for Republicans.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Freed of her caring duties, angry and uncertain about her future Karl gets on a Greyhound bus and heads to Las Vegas where Jean is working as a waitress at the El Cortez.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Aug. 2025
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The family defended themselves against an angry mob of hundreds of people who surrounded the house, throwing rocks and threatening the family, Duggan said.—
Dana Afana,
Freep.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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An Atchison woman was found guilty of aggravated endangering a child in Leavenworth County court Wednesday in connection to the death of her 18-month-old daughter.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
13 Aug. 2025
-
He was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated manslaughter, two counts of vehicular homicide, evidence tampering and leaving the scene of an accident.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vexed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vexed. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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