as in frustrating
causing annoyance
the constantly changing schedule was somewhat vexing, but I coped
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in annoying
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 puzzling
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
a mystery novel that is sure to vex even the canniest readers
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vexing
Kornel Chang
september 19, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
Take time to dig out vexing taproots, such as those of dandelions and mulberry seedlings.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025
Al Weaver, The Hill, 15 Sep. 2025
One vexing issue that adds to the complexity is that some AIs are better than other ones at figuring out certain types of things.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vexing
Adjective
Coming to terms with colonial-era collaboration would pose one of the most vexing challenges in a liberated Korea.
—Kornel Chang
september 19, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
Take time to dig out vexing taproots, such as those of dandelions and mulberry seedlings.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
But how to stop the train and ultimately turn it around remains a major question that is vexing lawmakers.
—Al Weaver, The Hill, 15 Sep. 2025
One vexing issue that adds to the complexity is that some AIs are better than other ones at figuring out certain types of things.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vexing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vexing
Adjective
-
The Premier League has been a frustrating product this season.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Some of the diciest action – and most frustrating nights – for Powell involved sprinting across wet cobblestones or through a graveyard full of smoke in the dark.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The dog keeps pulling the tablecloth off the table, there’s piss on the ground, and her husband Jackson, played by Robert Pattinson, is just there — annoying enough on its own.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
17 Oct. 2025
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A lot of noise around the Chiefs The Chiefs have become a mainstay in NFL discourse by winning three Super Bowls in the Mahomes era, and annoying an endless list of fan bases with their ability to overcome the odds and rally for a late win at an unprecedented rate.—
Scott Chasen,
Kansas City Star,
21 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Further study is also needed to untangle one puzzling finding.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Some of the airports that do appear on the list are also puzzling — perhaps none more so than Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Alaska.—
Joel Rose,
NPR,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Formulated in Korea with natural, non-irritating ingredients suitable for sensitive skin, the face masks are the first example, infusing hydrating and calming ingredients such as Vitamin B12 and aloe.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Some viewers find her impulsiveness more irritating than endearing.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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If something’s bothering you, say so.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
28 Oct. 2025
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Saft, not bothering to remove his sneakers, leaped onto a chair to place an ornate gold mirror over the mantelpiece.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As if dark energy weren't already mysterious and baffling enough, new research suggests that this unknown force may not be driving galaxies apart at an accelerating rate anymore.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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One morning, members of the Fort Greely missile defense base spot an ICBM of unknown origin on a suborbital trajectory heading straight for Chicago, baffling the country’s top intelligence and defense teams who only have 18 minutes to respond before impact.—
Jake Kring-Schreifels,
Time,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Despite already having declared her candidacy, McKnight voiced disturbing and violent threats against Sheehy.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Nov. 2025
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This story contains a description of a shooting some readers may find disturbing.—
Omar Jimenez,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Time to start bugging a friend with Hulu + Live TV instead or invest in an antenna.—
Savannah Salazar,
Vulture,
30 Oct. 2025
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Co-worker bugging you during heads down time?—
Sam Woodward,
USA Today,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vexing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vexing. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.
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