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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
-
The ladies get into a few tiffs over Michael Jordan’s son, because Pippen is annoyed that a few of them still follow him on Instagram.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
18 June 2025
-
That’s one of the top-line findings in a new survey by First Insight, suggesting that inflation-weary shoppers are annoyed and growing suspicious of major retailers' announcements about rising import costs.—
Greg Petro,
Forbes.com,
9 June 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
-
The condition occurs when the band of connective tissue spanning your arch, called your plantar fascia, becomes inflamed and irritated, which can happen for a bunch of reasons—after all, plantar fasciitis plagues as many as two million people yearly in the US.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
20 June 2025
-
Calamine lotion: This topical treatment contains zinc oxide, which can soothe irritated or itchy skin.6 Medicated shampoo: Shampoos that contain medical-grade coal tar can help reduce eczema symptoms on your scalp.—
Sarah Hudgens,
Health,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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Finally, with homicides soaring to record levels, exasperated authorities pivoted to a novel strategy: Mexico filed a $10-billion suit in U.S. federal court seeking to have Smith & Wesson and other signature manufacturers held accountable for the country’s epidemic of shooting deaths.—
Patrick J. McDonnell,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
-
Sabalenka was often frustrated during the first set, remonstrating and shouting at herself and frequently turning around to look at her team with an exasperated look on her face.—
Jerome Pugmire,
Chicago Tribune,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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The heated encounter occurred outside a building, as Hannah-Kim appeared visibly upset about the situation and wanted an explanation for Kove’s actions.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2025
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After the game, a Diamondbacks spokesperson told the Arizona Republic that Marte was upset because a fan had heckled him about Elpidia Valdez, who died in a car accident in the Dominican Republic.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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Without Flagg, asking angry fans for more money may have sent Welts back into another round of retirement.—
Mac Engel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 June 2025
-
Mamdani’s victory fits the emerging pattern of angry and fed-up voters from across the spectrum, as some notable anti-establishment populists have swept to victory in the US and across the globe on both the left and the right.—
Time,
Time,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
He was originally arrested in May for aggravated assault, attempt to cause bodily injury, terroristic threats and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, according to police.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
17 June 2025
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He was arrested on May 3 by the Wayne Township Police Department for aggravated assault, attempt to cause bodily injury, terroristic threats, and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vexed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vexed. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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