as in frustrating
causing annoyance
the constantly changing schedule was somewhat vexing, but I coped
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of vexing
Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 18 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
In the immediate aftermath of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s murder, one of the most vexing things occluding the facts of what happened was a general illiteracy regarding the online culture that had engulfed the alleged killer — its memes and codes and ideologies.
—Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 18 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
-
For one Reddit user, navigating recovery on crutches became even more frustrating when her fiancé repeatedly left her car without gas.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
19 Oct. 2025
-
That was the momentum swing that cost the Saints most significantly in a frustrating road loss.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
The mystery is less about who’s involved in the game afoot, as alert audiences piecing together context clues will be immediately aware of those nefarious parties upon their introductions, and is more about the puzzling lengths the filmmakers go to in planting contrived red herrings.—
Courtney Howard,
Variety,
9 Oct. 2025
-
This was particularly puzzling given that the program had highlighted other former players who had standout performances that same day, but the reason why quickly emerged.—
Cole Sullivan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Mosquitoes may be tiny, but their bites can pack an irritating punch.—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
15 Oct. 2025
-
Critics note the time and effort needed to remove stubborn labels—after all, few things are more irritating than peeling off a label and being met with sticky residue.—
Caelan McMichael,
Allure,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The dog recognizes that something is amiss, but isn’t capable of understanding what’s really bothering Todd.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
3 Oct. 2025
-
The injury that will sideline Herro to begin this season is one that had been bothering him for a few months.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But the immediacy around these conversations about the Titans are baffling to me.—
Nick Suss,
Nashville Tennessean,
13 Oct. 2025
-
The next morning, despite an extensive search of the ship, she could not be found, baffling the family, passengers and crew — and sparking an FBI investigation that is still currently open.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The Wicker Man boasts a conclusion that is one of the most haunting and disturbing climaxes to a horror film in any era, but the inclusion of Lee as the wicked Lord Summerisle is a casting coup.—
Steven Thrash,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Oct. 2025
-
What started as a search for wrapping paper led to a disturbing discovery that left her questioning her relationship with her mother.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
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 22 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share