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
Relevance
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 puzzled
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 vexed
Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
The vexed issue has been a matter of negotiation between actors’ union Equity and producer trade body Pact for more than a year.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
Leah Donnella, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Jan. 2026
That project of getting the benefits of Western civilization without its freedom and rights, that’s one that has vexed tyrants all over the world.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vexed
Adjective
Brooding in the historical background are the plantations, the vexed issue of where the money comes from that underwrites all this charm, these impeccable manners, this unsteady gaiety.
—Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
The vexed issue has been a matter of negotiation between actors’ union Equity and producer trade body Pact for more than a year.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
That loss particularly vexed me.
—Leah Donnella, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Jan. 2026
That project of getting the benefits of Western civilization without its freedom and rights, that’s one that has vexed tyrants all over the world.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vexed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vexed
Adjective
-
Most other Democrats sat stone-faced but some appeared upset or annoyed.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
25 Feb. 2026
-
At first, Enzo is merely annoyed.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Tough, undemanding, and rarely bothered by pests, a cheery patch of daffodils can last for generations.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
23 Feb. 2026
-
As a young schoolboy, Davidson was often cruelly stigmatized because no one had bothered to diagnose his disorder.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Six of the eight worst games were at Angel Stadium, which also puzzled Soriano.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Peters recalled getting the recordings and being puzzled… again.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
According to a story Mann tweeted out this week, Noonan nearly blew his audition by getting irritated at having to wait around for an hour-and-a-half.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
21 Feb. 2026
-
He was irritated by recent implications that his team wouldn’t compete.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Underwood went on The Bachelor as a straight man, made a connection with Randolph, broke up with her, bugged her car, and then was hit with a restraining order.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Instead, Ladinig says Pierre Haobsh bugged Henry Han's computer with a spyware app called a keylogger.—
Natalie Morales,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Despite reading Whitney’s letter at least twice, Henry — a narcissist — seems baffled that Whitney is not more contrite.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Yet Howe, his coaches and recruitment staff were baffled by such early criticism.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Many theories have since been advanced to explain the explosion of violent crime, but at the time many of us felt exasperated.—
Clarence Page,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Law enforcement officers in the courtroom shook their heads and an exasperated chuckle was heard at his question.—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Russia has destroyed more than 600 churches, persecuted millions of Ukrainian Christians under occupation, and abducted more than 19,000 children in an effort to break Ukraine’s spirit.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
24 Feb. 2026
-
The result is that, despite existing household pains owing to more expensive fuel, a resurgent kidnapping crisis that exposes deep security vulnerabilities, and external pressure from a US government that claims Christians are persecuted in Nigeria, Tinubu has expanded his base and looks strong.—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vexed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vexed. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
