as in frustrating
causing annoyance
the constantly changing schedule was somewhat vexing, but I coped
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vexing
Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2025
Why an audience member would want to return, though, would be an even more vexing mystery than whatever happened to Riley Brennan.
—Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025
Preston Fore, Fortune, 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
See All Example Sentences for vexing
Adjective
The site brags that 30% of Fortune 100 companies use Catalant to solve vexing problems.
—Verb
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.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for vexing
Adjective
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For athletes, the C1 solves a frustrating, age-old problem.—
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The reality is that traditional investigative journalism is a frequently boring and frustrating endeavor that takes a lot of time, money, and patience.—
Verb
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Sometimes, rage bait can be relatively harmless – a recipe that contains disgusting food combinations or someone annoying their pet, partner or sibling.—
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But what’s been annoying me even more is that these women should have been trained by producers to start recording on their own cell phones if drama starts to unfold after cameras go down.—
Verb
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Some people say puzzling offers more than simple entertainment.—
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But the decision to leave Robertson at home is a puzzling one that has enraged both Stars fans and hockey fans across the country.—
Adjective
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What an irritating phrase, Helen thinks.—
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Many of us suffer from skin problems, chapped lips, or an irritating cough when the air is too dry.—
Verb
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Ibrahim keeps bothering me endlessly, touching my leg and thigh.—
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Ask her if anything is bothering her.—
Verb
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The pilot of a private jet reportedly made an eerie discovery while flying thousands of feet over Rhode Island, marking the latest in unexplained encounters baffling both experts and civilians alike.—
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From financial wipeouts to baffling misreads of beloved source material, some of Hollywood’s most notorious flops began as video games.—
Adjective
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Despite already having declared her candidacy, McKnight voiced disturbing and violent threats against Sheehy.—
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This story contains a description of a shooting some readers may find disturbing.—
Verb
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That thing’s been bugging on him for a while.—
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Then Julian dropped one of his wireless earbuds into Olympia’s purse, using it as a crude bugging device.—
Cite this Entry
“Vexing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vexing. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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