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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vex
Sluggish consumption, a manufacturing glut and prolonged woes in the country’s vast property sector are among the main challenges now vexing Beijing policymakers and businesses.
—
Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025
On the fumble that Josh Sweat caused on the Panthers’ first drive this past weekend, Arizona dialed up a blitz that completely vexed Carolina.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 17 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
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
See All Example Sentences for vex
Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025
On the fumble that Josh Sweat caused on the Panthers’ first drive this past weekend, Arizona dialed up a blitz that completely vexed Carolina.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 17 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
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
See All Example Sentences for vex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vex
Verb
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While Johnson had plenty to be pleased with, he was annoyed by the number of penalties and said the offense has to do a better job of running the football.—
Lou Ponsi,
Oc Register,
25 Oct. 2025
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They’re built not to resist developers but, as their name suggests, they’re intentionally designed, with a degree of malice, to annoy someone specific.—
Lilit Marcus,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Illston appeared frustrated and perplexed by the government's unwillingness to engage on the merits during the hearing.—
Andrea Hsu,
NPR,
15 Oct. 2025
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The 18 runs plundered off one over was the most Jasprit Bumrah had ever conceded in Tests, leaving the bowler perplexed as he was replaced.—
Sam Dalling,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Not the kind of thrift store that’s actually thrifty, but the kind of thrift store that doesn’t have any price tags because the people who can afford to shop there don’t need to bother themselves with price tags.—
Lex Goldstein,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
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Being a double Viking with Swedish and Norman blood on each side of my family, the cold never bothered me.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Nandi is experiencing severe insomnia, tremors and psychosis, and her quickly deteriorating condition bewilders the emergency room staff.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
21 Oct. 2025
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Gelles avoids lionizing Patagonia’s leader, describing Chouinard’s mercurial leadership style that often bewildered his staff at Patagonia.—
Maya Silver,
Outside,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The formula was comfortable and didn’t irritate my skin or leave any residue.—
Essence,
Essence,
28 Oct. 2025
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The lord didn’t much care for that, which of course only made Heinzelmann want to irritate him further.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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One of the higher-ups felt my title Stairway to Heaven would be confused with the 1939 movie of the same name.—
Cameron Crowe,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Oct. 2025
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Historically, people disguised themselves in mystical and mythical ensembles time of year in order to confuse ghosts and deter them from wreaking havoc; the Celts even carved faces into vegetables to keep the entities away from their food.—
Lisa Stardust,
Vogue,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Create Abundance's lawyer in Canada, Brian Vickers, said that the two companies Li directed were not connected to the group and that it was being wrongfully persecuted.—
Didi Kirsten Tatlow,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
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In Nazi Germany, transgender people were persecuted, barred from public life.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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He was baffled as if there does not appear to be any point of access for an animal the size of a ground hog.—
Chris McKeown,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
25 Oct. 2025
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She was baffled by his sudden enterprise.—
David Wingrave,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vex. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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