annoy implies a wearing on the nerves by persistent petty unpleasantness.
their constant complaining annoys us
vex implies greater provocation and stronger disturbance and usually connotes anger but sometimes perplexity or anxiety.
vexed by her son's failure to clean his room
irk stresses difficulty in enduring and the resulting weariness or impatience of spirit.
careless waste irks the boss
bother suggests interference with comfort or peace of mind.
don't bother me while I'm reading
Examples of vex in a Sentence
This problem has vexed researchers for years.
We were vexed by the delay.
Recent Examples on the Web
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In previous years, there was one thing that vexed many potential buyers in the market for a new car: the Commander control function for its infotainment system.—Kristin Shaw, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025 As so often, what might have vexed or depressed many authors was, for Leonard, an extra helping of grist.—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 They’re also vexed by the vehicles’ human attendants, who work in large lots located in residential areas and loudly vacuum the taxis between fares.—Jade Walker, CNN Money, 26 June 2025 Therefore, the centrifuges may vex Netanyahu’s war aims.—Sebastien Roblin, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for vex
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French vexer, from Latin vexare to agitate, harry; probably akin to Latin vehere to convey — more at way
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