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.
The key will be whether a stronger supporting cast and a more run-heavy system helps Mendoza’s replacement, Josh Hoover, to cut down on the turnovers that vexed him at TCU. — Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 Garcia and fellow Democrats are mindful of what’s driving unhappy voters who face a vexing mix of inflation and weak economic growth. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Over time, a group of shareholders became particularly vexed with Taj Hotels, which had managed the property since 2005. — Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 25 Aug. 2026 Zinn in the years to come was vexed both morally and politically by the impersonality of the killing as a bombardier. — Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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