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
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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 confused
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
a mystery novel that is sure to vex even the canniest readers
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vexed
Lisa Anderson, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2025
Artist agents find their roles less vexed, embracing a new value system that hews closer to the way the market actually operates.
—Natasha Degen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024
Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 8 Apr. 2024
Those obstacles, which vexed Harris and her predecessors, are part of the same curse that could shape the future presidential prospects of Vice President-elect JD Vance.
—Ian Prasad Philbrick, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for vexed
Adjective
More broadly, Cairo seeks to redeem the vexed legacy of Camp David.
—Lisa Anderson, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2025
Artist agents find their roles less vexed, embracing a new value system that hews closer to the way the market actually operates.
—Natasha Degen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
Chase Field has long vexed the MLB franchise.
—Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 8 Apr. 2024
Those obstacles, which vexed Harris and her predecessors, are part of the same curse that could shape the future presidential prospects of Vice President-elect JD Vance.
—Ian Prasad Philbrick, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for vexed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vexed
Adjective
-
Republican leaders, who often are hoping for a revenue surge to finance tax relief, were equally annoyed.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2025
-
Pritzker was highly annoyed, rightly so in our view, when Welch tanked the governor’s bill at the eleventh hour in January.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
With the exception of the Russell 2000, which gained 1%, none of the major indices bothered to get out of bed the day after Christmas.—
JJ Kinahan,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
-
In fact, if you can’t be bothered even to reach for the remote to select this new button, the latest firmware update will also automatically start playing the next episode after a countdown.—
John Archer,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Many people get confused by these forms which contain code and jargon that rarely offer a clear explanation of anything.—
Steve Weisman,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Not to be confused with DEI training, skill building is a way to help people improve their communication skills, negotiation style and overall understanding of relevant topics, all while leveling up professionally.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes,
21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
But then Carrie, and the series, has continued to treat Wyatt’s condition, and his father’s obvious irritated denial of its realities, as simply a logistical obstacle in her fairy tale love story.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2025
-
Use a soft-bristle brush and a wide-tooth comb, and take your time, especially around areas that already feel sparse or irritated. 2.—
Health,
Health,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
Finally, with homicides soaring to record levels, exasperated authorities pivoted to a novel strategy: Mexico filed a $10-billion suit in U.S. federal court seeking to have Smith & Wesson and other signature manufacturers held accountable for the country’s epidemic of shooting deaths.—
Patrick J. McDonnell,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
-
Sabalenka was often frustrated during the first set, remonstrating and shouting at herself and frequently turning around to look at her team with an exasperated look on her face.—
Jerome Pugmire,
Chicago Tribune,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
The heated encounter occurred outside a building, as Hannah-Kim appeared visibly upset about the situation and wanted an explanation for Kove’s actions.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2025
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Marte, who hit a solo home run in the first inning of Arizona's 4-1 win, was seen visibly upset during a pitching change in the bottom of the seventh as Lovullo put his arm around his player and consoled him.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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Without Flagg, asking angry fans for more money may have sent Welts back into another round of retirement.—
Mac Engel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 June 2025
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Many players, including some former Huskies, were drafted much higher and came off angry about dropping.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
The penalty for an aggravated DUI is up to 15 years in prison, $5,000 fine, 5-year driver’s license suspension and restitution, according to Canyon County.—
Carolyn Komatsoulis,
Idaho Statesman,
24 June 2025
-
Donald Pinnock was charged Sunday with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vexed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vexed. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
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