vexing 1 of 2

adjective

ˈvek-siŋ How to pronounce vexing (audio)
Definition of vexingnext
as in frustrating
causing annoyance the constantly changing schedule was somewhat vexing, but I coped

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

vexing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of vex
1
as in annoying
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts my coworkers' loud, endless conversations vexed me

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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

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
Cardholders struggle with inflation, interest rates Cardholders are still struggling with a vexing combination of elevated inflation and interest rates. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 12 June 2026 The Astrodome, which has been used mostly as a storage shed for the city of Houston since the Astros moved to a new park in downtown Houston after the 1999 season, remains one of the most vexing issues for a city that can’t let go of its past. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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 Because the 59-year-old MAGA actor has stumbled into a debate that’s been vexing DC fans for more than six decades. — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for vexing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vexing
  1. frustrating
  2. annoying
  3. puzzling
  4. irritating
  5. bothering
  6. baffling
  7. disturbing
  8. bugging
Adjective
  • Two months after another frustrating playoff finish, the 76ers now look ahead with a reasonable expectation to be among the conference favorites next season.
    — Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Residents said the latest delay is especially frustrating because the pool also remained closed for much of last summer after a water line ruptured while it was being filled.
    — Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of frustrating
Verb
  • Weird; annoying even – but the floaters did not seem urgent.
    — Peter Ubel, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
  • My biggest concern about adding a tracking device around Mya’s neck was annoying her or creating disruption.
    — Tyler Hayes, PC Magazine, 13 May 2026
Definition of annoying
Verb
  • Just after send time yesterday morning, the Timberwolves made a puzzling splash by trading for Hornets star LaMelo Ball.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 26 June 2026
  • And the performances from South Korea at the World Cup so far have been puzzling, given the talent at manager Hong Myung-bo’s disposal.
    — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Definition of puzzling
Adjective
  • Few workplace behaviors are as small, common and irritating as the message that goes unanswered.
    — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Greenberg tried his best to ignore an irritating ankle injury that had plagued him the last couple of weeks and grimaced under the hazy sunlight as the pitcher, probably 20 or more years his junior, stared him down.
    — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Definition of irritating
Verb
  • Travis was snapped having a blast bothering Jason as the duo attended a match between Jupiter Links GC and The Bay Golf Club at SoFi Center on March 3.
    — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • For now, the Royals hope to figure out exactly what’s bothering him.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
Definition of bothering
Verb
  • The Illinois numbers, especially this year’s, are baffling experts.
    — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026
  • For more than four minutes Darnold drove downfield, connecting on three of four passes, baffling the pass rushers, bleeding the clock, and by the time the Seahawks finally gave the ball back, the Rams had only 25 seconds to live.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Definition of baffling
Adjective
  • There were many disturbing parts of Kerstin’s story left unpursued.
    — William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
  • The film is a modern take on the creature horror film told from the perspective of a young boy who slowly begins to discover that his beloved parents are hiding a disturbing secret about his mother’s true nature.
    — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 25 June 2026
Definition of disturbing
Verb
  • The necessity of the trip at all is what's been bugging me.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 12 June 2026
  • His doctor had been bugging him for years to get a colonoscopy because of his age, but Driggers declined.
    — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026
Definition of bugging

Browse Nearby Words

vexes
vexing
vexingly
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Cite this Entry

“Vexing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vexing. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vexing

Nglish: Translation of vexing for Spanish Speakers

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