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
And yet that is proving difficult, vexing officials in public health and criminal justice amid an array of emotional, complicated questions:
Should the parent who didn’t lock up the gun be charged?
—
John Diedrich, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
As incoming White House chief of staff, one of Susie Wiles ’ vexing challenges will be policing the buffet line of powerful interests who want something from Donald Trump.
—Brian Slodysko, Los Angeles Times, 24 Nov. 2024
Tuesday night’s vote is the latest effort by a Colorado community to tackle the state’s vexing housing shortage, which has resulted in slim pickings for homebuyers and steadily escalating home prices over the last few years.
—John Aguilar, The Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2025
Read more Fetterman’s approach to Trump stirs speculation Sen. John Fetterman’s (D-Pa.) open-minded approach to President-elect Trump is fueling questions about his motives and vexing some of his fellow Democrats.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vex
John Diedrich, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
As incoming White House chief of staff, one of Susie Wiles ’ vexing challenges will be policing the buffet line of powerful interests who want something from Donald Trump.
—Brian Slodysko, Los Angeles Times, 24 Nov. 2024
Tuesday night’s vote is the latest effort by a Colorado community to tackle the state’s vexing housing shortage, which has resulted in slim pickings for homebuyers and steadily escalating home prices over the last few years.
—John Aguilar, The Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2025
Read more Fetterman’s approach to Trump stirs speculation Sen. John Fetterman’s (D-Pa.) open-minded approach to President-elect Trump is fueling questions about his motives and vexing some of his fellow Democrats.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vex
Verb
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Instead of getting annoyed, try again a few minutes later and remember, never vent your frustration to your cats.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
3 Mar. 2025
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Since then, Lorenzo had been aggressive in pushing the Pinos to seek better medical expertise to get to the bottom of Tatiana’s health problems — an effort that reportedly annoyed Sergio.—
Catherine Odom,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, a Queens Democrat who has recently stepped up her criticism of the mayor, was perplexed by his refusal to slam Trump’s recent actions.—
Chris Sommerfeldt,
New York Daily News,
21 Jan. 2025
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Several drones were reportedly spotted in the skies above a Connecticut suburb Thursday night, adding to recent sightings that have perplexed residents and raised questions about possible national security and public safety concerns.—
Louis Casiano,
Fox News,
13 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Gathering at Scripps Research’s third annual Pandemic Preparedness Symposium last week, researchers working in virology and chemistry did not bother to debate whether or not H5N1 avian influenza will clear this rapidly shrinking hurdle.—
Paul Sisson,
The Mercury News,
3 Mar. 2025
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As Caro settled into life in a new country, one thing often bothered him.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The cat, named Ameera, looked bewildered by her family early start to the day.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
6 Mar. 2025
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Jackie lets the ladies know that Phaedra may not be rejoining the group, and while Toya seems a bit bewildered, Simone remains indifferent—further solidifying the mean girl energy that Phaedra called out.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Ramirez-Rosa has been a magnet for it, in ways that could further irritate the city’s already-tender Black-Latino relations.—
Laura Washington,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2025
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Products with fragrances can also irritate the skin.—
Hannah Yasharoff,
USA TODAY,
5 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Not to be confused with New Zealand musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
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Along those lines, a settlement should not be confused with a collective bargaining agreement, which pro teams and unionized employees extinguish or mollify a broader range of potential claims.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Rwanda has claimed the Tutsis are being persecuted by Hutus and former militias responsible for the 1994 genocide of 800,000 Tutsis and others in Rwanda.—
CHINEDU ASADU,
arkansasonline.com,
17 Feb. 2025
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Miller wrote the play as an allegory for McCarthyism, when the U.S. government persecuted people of being communists.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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That reluctance baffles Pérez and her colleague, Deputy Public Defender Amy Tao.—
CalMatters,
The Mercury News,
27 Feb. 2025
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Over the past few months, Bob Dylan has been baffling fans with surreal posts on his official social media platforms.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
27 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vex. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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