vex

verb

ˈveks How to pronounce vex (audio)
vexed also vext ˈvekst How to pronounce vex (audio) ; vexing
Synonyms of vex

transitive verb

1
a
: to bring trouble, distress, or agitation to
the restaurant is vexed by slow service
b
: to bring physical distress to
a headache vexed him all morning
c
: to irritate or annoy by petty provocations : harass
vexed by the children
d
: puzzle, baffle
a problem to vex the keenest wit
2
: to shake or toss about

Synonyms of vex

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annoy, vex, irk, bother mean to upset a person's composure.

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
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.
But his relationship with the modern outdoor industry feels vexed. — William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 Why then, when discussing body image after weight changes, is our culture reaching for the language of vexing apparitions and death? — Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 Deadline has previously reported that the edit — first questioned in a memo from board advisor Michael Prescott — vexed directors. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 19 June 2026 He has also grown increasingly vexed by the war between Israel and Iran, which has driven up gas prices, rattled financial markets and stoked concerns about inflation. — CBS News, 14 June 2026 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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of vex was in the 15th century

Rhymes for vex

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Browse Nearby Words

Vevey
vex
vexation
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Cite this Entry

“Vex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vex. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

vex

verb
ˈveks How to pronounce vex (audio)
vexed also vext; vexing
1
: to bring trouble, distress, or worry to
vexed by thoughts of what could have been
2
: to annoy continually with little irritations
vexed by the children

More from Merriam-Webster on vex

Nglish: Translation of vex for Spanish Speakers

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