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
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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
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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
Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2026
These sorts of technical challenges have vexed nuclear advocates who are fighting against a decades-long stagnation in nuclear development, triggered primarily by safety concerns.
—Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 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
Their intimate sparring reflected vexed, unresolved tensions about science and government.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2026
These sorts of technical challenges have vexed nuclear advocates who are fighting against a decades-long stagnation in nuclear development, triggered primarily by safety concerns.
—Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vexed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vexed
Adjective
-
One of Kate’s regular design clients, Molly is quick to judge and has little patience or filter when annoyed.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
-
Sean Kuraly and Andrew Peeke were already annoyed.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Shuter is not bothered by such pesky details.—
Dan Adler,
Vanity Fair,
12 May 2026
-
One thing that bothered me in my career as a stylist was the cliché that the inspiration of the show is a certain period, and the designer did not see certain races in the casting.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
Beata Siemionkowicz's immigration case has puzzled her family and experts.—
Sabrina Franza,
CBS News,
7 May 2026
-
What appears to be an outbreak of hantavirus on a ship anchored near the tiny mid-Atlantic nation of Cabo Verde has infectious diseases experts puzzled.—
Theresa Gaffney,
STAT,
5 May 2026
Adjective
-
These might include cramping, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, or an irritated rectum, Hazan says, as well as dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, which can affect heart or kidney function.—
Erica Sweeney,
Time,
11 May 2026
-
Like shea butter, aloe has soothing properties that may help calm flaky, dry or irritated scalps.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
Upon arriving at big-league camp this spring, Rojas said the different grip initially bugged him.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Three people told the Washington Examiner that Scott had become paranoid that Lewandowski was spying on him through his work phone and had bugged his office.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Initial responders were baffled.—
Hank Tester,
CBS News,
12 May 2026
-
He is still baffled by the polygamous, fickle nature of American sports fandom.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
When asked why the department can’t lease squad cars or repurpose existing vehicles, an LAPD official admitted that those options hadn’t been explored — which drew an exasperated response from Councilmember Tim McOsker.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
-
At one point Blunt's character yells in exasperated, rapid-fire Italian at a protesting Versace when they're interrupted by Hathaway.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
When hunted, poisoned, and persecuted, the coyotes scattered and regrouped, their numbers surging a hundred-fold.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 May 2026
-
Other human rights lawyers have been recently prosecuted in Russia, including Maria Bontsler, a prominent lawyer who defended individuals persecuted by politically motivated charges.—
Irwin Cotler,
Time,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vexed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vexed. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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