as in frustrating
causing annoyance
the constantly changing schedule was somewhat vexing, but I coped
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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
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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
Julia M. Klein, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025
Throwing inside to lefties wasn’t a strength during that vexing time for the young southpaw.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Now, more and more people are making a case for appreciating those once-vexing clovers.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vexing
Adjective
Whatever the specific parallels, the problem of how to recover from such assaults on the law and the polity remains vexing.
—Julia M. Klein, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025
Throwing inside to lefties wasn’t a strength during that vexing time for the young southpaw.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
Verb
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
Now, more and more people are making a case for appreciating those once-vexing clovers.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vexing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vexing
Adjective
-
Miami has a lot to prove, and Hill is expected to return to form after a frustrating season if the Dolphins were to make a push for the playoffs.—
Hunter Mulholland,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Some days are easier than others, and some are frustrating, but being steady makes a difference.—
Essence,
Essence,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The competitive father, however, noted that his son has picked up Rafael Nadal's forehand, playfully annoying Novak by mimicking his rival's swing.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
27 Aug. 2025
-
So, how can an organization remain current on customers' ever-changing needs and expectations without annoying or estranging them?—
Chip Bell,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Colorado opened its 2025 season with a puzzling 27-20 loss to Georgia Tech on Friday night.—
Shane Shoemaker,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Tyler, the Creator has turned 2025’s Camp Flog Gnaw announcement into a puzzling quest.—
Charisma Madarang,
Rolling Stone,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Nina not being there contributed to one of the most irritating moments in this season so far, with Antonio smugly blowing a kiss into the camera for her and gloating about being in the top after her harsh critique last week.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
29 Aug. 2025
-
An irritating habit of his is to stop by and launch into long-winded stories about some mundane event in his present or past life or to pontificate about a current event.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
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So, at least for now, Chamorro is not bothering with the official Pop Mart drops.—
Ramishah Maruf,
CNN Money,
24 Aug. 2025
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While there is still hope that Clark can return this season from the groin injury that has been bothering her, there is no guarantee of that becoming a reality.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Aug. 2025
Verb
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That the Red Wings needed to attach a second-round pick to offload his money last summer was baffling at the time and looks even worse now.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
New York Times,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
That's depicted in a disturbing, if somewhat inscrutable, scene.—
Esther Zuckerman,
Time,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Possibly, something disturbing will occur because someone has decided to make emotional demands on you.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The criminal justice system In early April, a man failed to show up for his pretrial conference in Canyon County, perplexing his lawyer.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
11 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vexing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vexing. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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