as in frustrating
causing annoyance
the constantly changing schedule was somewhat vexing, but I coped
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in annoying
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 puzzling
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 vexing
Leonard David, Space.com, 23 June 2025
This is why the story of his rise and fall—and then his rise again—is so vexing.
—Tyler Foggatt, New Yorker, 24 May 2025
The initial focus of the discussions was a move from 12 to 14 teams, with a 16-team field a fringe possibility, mostly because of one vexing issue: When would four more early-round Playoff games happen?
—Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 21 May 2025
That makes the empty-pigeonhole principle much more vexing for complexity theorists.
—Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vexing
Adjective
The reentry of space objects has been a vexing problem since the beginning of the space age, McKnight told Space.com, because there are at least three physical phenomena that all have large uncertainties.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 23 June 2025
This is why the story of his rise and fall—and then his rise again—is so vexing.
—Tyler Foggatt, New Yorker, 24 May 2025
The initial focus of the discussions was a move from 12 to 14 teams, with a 16-team field a fringe possibility, mostly because of one vexing issue: When would four more early-round Playoff games happen?
—Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 21 May 2025
That makes the empty-pigeonhole principle much more vexing for complexity theorists.
—Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vexing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vexing
Adjective
-
The Copycat Conundrum: When Local Laws Protect Your Competitors Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of international franchising involves dealing with local copycat operations that exploit legal protections designed for domestic businesses.—
Mohaimina Haque,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
-
The director’s latest feature, Jimmy Jaguar, is another brooding head-scratcher, one that’s equal parts fascinating and frustrating.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
Researchers are particularly focused on unraveling the puzzling interplay between gas content, magma pressure and lava flow dynamics.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
-
Almost two years into his ordeal, Gould learned of an initiative at the National Institutes of Health that focuses on solving the country’s most puzzling medical cases.—
Jason Liebowitz,
The Atlantic,
2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Figuring out how to reply to an annoying co-worker on Slack?—
Rachel Wells,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
In other words, these annoying tasks will actually start to feel good.—
Meg Walters,
Glamour,
28 June 2025
Verb
-
When handled, these treefrogs secrete a sticky toxin as a defense, which can be irritating to mucous membranes of people or pets who make contact with them.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
8 Apr. 2025
-
All three ingredients offer significant benefits for skin brightening and skin texture, but also tend to be irritating to people with sensitive skin.—
Caroline C. Boyle,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Scientists have found a new way to cheat the system – which is both ingenious and disturbing.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
-
Pisciotta alleged that West’s disturbing behavior did not end after she was terminated at Yeezy.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Rodin Cars The big idea behind Rodin is to build cars without bothering about vehicle regulations – in stark contrast to F1 cars, which are subject to several rules around how they're put together.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
2 Jan. 2025
-
The city and state have also been ramping up efforts to engage troubled vagrants sleeping and sometimes bothering straphangers, connecting them with services and shelter and potentially involuntary treatment.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
27 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
According to Yau, those with acne-prone skin should reach for a stainless steel gua sha—unlike natural stone, stainless steel is non-porous and anti-bacterial, preventing unwanted breakouts and aggravating easily congested skin.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Following his final round, the two-time major champion detailed surviving the weekend without aggravating his rib injury.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
9 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vexing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vexing. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share