VEXING Synonyms: 202 Similar and Opposite Words

vexing 1 of 2

adjective

ˈvek-siŋ

Definition of vexing

as in frustrating

causing annoyance the constantly changing schedule was somewhat vexing, but I coped

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

vexing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of vex

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

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

Adjective

The film isn’t interested in the ethical issues of a boss sleeping with her underling or how exactly Jackie garnered such a vexing reputation. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 8 June 2026 University presidents and athletic directors in conferences across the country are slowly becoming comfortable with the move, which is seen by many as the best way to address vexing issues like player compensation, the transfer portal and a competition calendar spinning out of control. — Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026

Verb

The next few weeks are going to be just as vexing, with Mercury in Cancer entering its post-shadow zone from July 23 to August 6. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 26 July 2026 Particulars matter Haiti observers warn that considering the country’s vexing history with electoral fraud, violence, problematic votes and post-election crises, the particulars of its electoral machinery do matter. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for vexing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vexing

Adjective

At this point in the draft, every RB has questions, but volume remains king, and Harvey could be in a frustrating battle for touches all season.

— Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026
Bohm’s Phillies career has been sometimes frustrating, sometimes exciting, sometimes perplexing.

— Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of frustrating

Verb

Kids in all three countries loved learning dances from TikTok and annoying their siblings.

— Ryan Lenora Brown, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Aug. 2026
Of course, this would depend on whether the managers choose to pick their strongest teams in what for some is a meaningless, even annoying extra fixture, for squads who just want to go home.

— Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Definition of annoying

Verb

Over the course of her prolific career, Zambreno has written 10 books — each as puzzling and surprising as the last.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
The bizarre body plan Before this discovery, there was a puzzling 80-million-year gap in the fossil record.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of puzzling

Adjective

His irritating habit of starting each meeting with the ping of a bell reinforces his personality.

— Oline Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
The larger battery gives it the sort of range that makes an EV genuinely useful for long-distance driving, while the interior avoids some of the irritating touchscreen-heavy trends found elsewhere.

— Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of irritating

Verb

Despite some protests about a dog contributing to the game, Buddy — clad in a bright blue jersey and two pairs of basketball kicks — scores baffling basket after baffling basket, leaving the other team shocked.

— Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
While Loathe’s baffling compositional choices may jump out first, the album’s most glaring flaw is its production.

— Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026

Definition of baffling

Adjective

Last awards season, the gossip around town, salacious and disturbing in equal measure, was that hotel suites all over Hollywood were populated by tailors taking in gowns coming straight off the runway.

— Marti Noxon, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
The disturbing situation came to light after a tree fell on the home during a storm.

— Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of disturbing

Browse Nearby Words

vexes

vexing

vexingly

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Vexing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vexing. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of vexing

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes