1
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
my coworkers' loud, endless conversations vexed me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to perplex
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 vex
John Birdsall: That question has been vexing me for more than a decade.
—
Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 June 2025
Cassidy, vexed with himself and with her, isn’t strong enough to catch her in his arms.
—Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
Through The Associated Press, which first reported on the order in August, and National Public Radio, ABC News and others, the story of prayerful nuns vexing giant companies has gone worldwide, placing McCracken, as head of the order’s shareholder activism, at the center.
—Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2025
No pricey change orders or vexing turnaround times required.
—Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for vex
Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 June 2025
Cassidy, vexed with himself and with her, isn’t strong enough to catch her in his arms.
—Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
Through The Associated Press, which first reported on the order in August, and National Public Radio, ABC News and others, the story of prayerful nuns vexing giant companies has gone worldwide, placing McCracken, as head of the order’s shareholder activism, at the center.
—Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2025
No pricey change orders or vexing turnaround times required.
—Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for vex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vex
Verb
-
Perhaps Trump just wanted to annoy his counterparts, especially those on the continent.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
14 July 2025
-
But Cotton, annoyed by Hank’s indirectness and emotion, browbeats his son.—
Daniel Dockery,
Vulture,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
Through the years, dozens of actresses have portrayed Superman's love interest and confidante Lois Lane, an award-winning reporter both perplexed and entranced by the man also (secretly) known as Clark Kent.—
Grace Gavilanes,
People.com,
11 July 2025
-
The aftermath What perplexes her, Nicole Fech said, is that Anderson went out of her way to call the camp a year and a half after the family left the church.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
There’s something delicious about sipping lemonade after a dip in the pool, looking down from the balcony at the day-trippers all hot and bothered below.—
Richard Godwin,
Travel + Leisure,
12 July 2025
-
That really bothers me more than anything else; that bothers me more than even being excluded.—
Max Gao,
Variety,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
Lynskey says she’s been bewildered by the fans who’ve directed online vitriol at Shauna this season, while seemingly forgiving the sins of Shauna’s husband Jeff (Warren Cole) and the heinous crimes committed by Misty (Christina Ricci).—
Todd Longwell,
Variety,
2 June 2025
-
Both were bewildered by this fashion design travesty.—
Sherry Kuehl,
Kansas City Star,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
Things escalated further as fans began requesting photos and videos, reportedly irritating the R&B star.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
14 July 2025
-
According to Valliere, people and pets should avoid coming in contact with several invasive plants in California, including: Certain grasses, which produce long awns and seeds that can irritate skin, get stuck in pets’ fur, and cause discomfort for both animals and humans.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Amazon $650 Samsung $650 Best Buy Not to be confused with the Galaxy S24 series, this midrange smartphone from late 2024 has some elements of the flagship phone, but makes some sacrifices to get the price down.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
-
O’Brien says his critics might be confused because of the novelty of his approach.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
There may be no animal that has been more revered and reviled, romanticized and persecuted, adopted and murdered than the coyote.—
Helen Whybrow
July 7,
Literary Hub,
7 July 2025
-
Asylum seekers must prove their government is persecuting them or that they're being persecuted by someone who the government is unable or unwilling to stop.—
Victoria Moorwood,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Verb
-
Money terms and concepts continue to baffle people, many of whom are seeking answers through online searches.—
Russ Wiles,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
-
Even with the other guys' admonitions not to, under any circumstances, be themselves, Dee and Charlie's improbable success in charming these scions of the Philly upper crust had the guys — and us — both baffled and anxiously awaiting an ugly twist.—
Dennis Perkins,
EW.com,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vex. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share