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
Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2025
One of its most intriguing, yet vexing, implications is that if all matter and forces are composed of vibrations of tiny strands, then this allows for a vast landscape of possible universes with different physical properties, varieties of particles and complex space-times.
—Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2025
Our recipe for success is simple and proven: the federal government invests in research, and universities contribute their workforce, time, space, expertise, and interests to deliver solutions to the most vexing challenges of society.
—Charles L. Welch, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Khan went on for a minute about a vexing old record deal then seemed wisely to think better of that.
—Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for vexing
Adjective
Forty assists went to waste Saturday in a vexing 126-123 loss to the tanking Washington Wizards because playing defense required an urgency and attentiveness that Denver has lacked through 68 games, from the perspective of coach Michael Malone.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2025
One of its most intriguing, yet vexing, implications is that if all matter and forces are composed of vibrations of tiny strands, then this allows for a vast landscape of possible universes with different physical properties, varieties of particles and complex space-times.
—Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2025
Our recipe for success is simple and proven: the federal government invests in research, and universities contribute their workforce, time, space, expertise, and interests to deliver solutions to the most vexing challenges of society.
—Charles L. Welch, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Khan went on for a minute about a vexing old record deal then seemed wisely to think better of that.
—Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for vexing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vexing
Adjective
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What’s more frustrating is that neither of the bracket’s two best overall performers will be proceeding on to the semifinals, and in hindsight, one of them — Acid Betty — really wasn’t given a chance.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
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The most frustrating character on The Bear continues to be Claire (Molly Gordon), whose on-screen role in Season 3 was limited, but whose importance even as an unseen force has grown and grown.—
Linda Holmes,
NPR,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Researchers are particularly focused on unraveling the puzzling interplay between gas content, magma pressure and lava flow dynamics.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
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Almost two years into his ordeal, Gould learned of an initiative at the National Institutes of Health that focuses on solving the country’s most puzzling medical cases.—
Jason Liebowitz,
The Atlantic,
2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Unfortunately, everything else in this misadventure, from annoying love interests to cloying sidekicks, is a minecart going off the rails.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
20 June 2025
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And the positivity surrounding it is annoying, including my own.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
20 June 2025
Verb
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When handled, these treefrogs secrete a sticky toxin as a defense, which can be irritating to mucous membranes of people or pets who make contact with them.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
8 Apr. 2025
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All three ingredients offer significant benefits for skin brightening and skin texture, but also tend to be irritating to people with sensitive skin.—
Caroline C. Boyle,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Content moderators are workers who remove disturbing content from social media—data which is often then used to train AI systems like ChatGPT or Facebook’s algorithms.—
Billy Perrigo,
Time,
19 June 2025
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These stories reveal a disturbing truth: AI can automate and amplify existing biases, leading to real-world injustice.—
Sajal Singh,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Verb
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Rodin Cars The big idea behind Rodin is to build cars without bothering about vehicle regulations – in stark contrast to F1 cars, which are subject to several rules around how they're put together.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
2 Jan. 2025
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The city and state have also been ramping up efforts to engage troubled vagrants sleeping and sometimes bothering straphangers, connecting them with services and shelter and potentially involuntary treatment.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
27 Dec. 2024
Verb
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According to Yau, those with acne-prone skin should reach for a stainless steel gua sha—unlike natural stone, stainless steel is non-porous and anti-bacterial, preventing unwanted breakouts and aggravating easily congested skin.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
13 Mar. 2025
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Following his final round, the two-time major champion detailed surviving the weekend without aggravating his rib injury.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
9 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vexing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vexing. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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