as in frustrating
causing annoyance
the constantly changing schedule was somewhat vexing, but I coped
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026
The crumbling support columns are so weak a subcontractor quit trying to repair them because the work was so dangerous, vexing architects and engineers when their poor condition was first uncovered last fall.
—Richard Mize, Oklahoman, 27 Feb. 2026
Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2026
This one is vexing, as it's gone from AI early mover, thanks to its prescient partnership with OpenAI, to a laggard.
—Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vexing
Adjective
The most recent one, starting in November 2022, saw Iger confronting vexing issues like AI, labor unrest and the need to lay off thousands of workers amid sweeping industry consolidation.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026
The crumbling support columns are so weak a subcontractor quit trying to repair them because the work was so dangerous, vexing architects and engineers when their poor condition was first uncovered last fall.
—Richard Mize, Oklahoman, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
The judging is vexing and perplexing.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2026
This one is vexing, as it's gone from AI early mover, thanks to its prescient partnership with OpenAI, to a laggard.
—Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vexing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vexing
Adjective
-
For longtime Stockton resident Montie Selmon, sideshows have become a familiar and frustrating part of life.—
Conor McGill,
CBS News,
3 May 2026
-
This was a snapshot of the 2026 Orioles — tantalizing upside, frustrating downside, and now even more pressure on an underwhelming rotation.—
Josh Tolentino,
Baltimore Sun,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Sometimes, rage bait can be relatively harmless – a recipe that contains disgusting food combinations or someone annoying their pet, partner or sibling.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
1 Dec. 2025
-
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.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
12 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
But as of last month, the FDA has twice opted not to approve RP1, puzzling researchers and worrying drug developers.—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
2 May 2026
-
Alvarado, however, continued a puzzling trend.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Sulfate-free shampoos are often less irritating to sensitive scalps, too.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
4 May 2026
-
Derms say mineral blocks tend to be less irritating for sensitive skin.—
Brigitt Earley,
Glamour,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Try taking 10 to 15 minutes each day to write out what's bothering you.—
Pien Huang,
NPR,
2 May 2026
-
Yusei Kikuchi said throwing fastballs was bothering him again, so the Los Angeles Angels pitcher left Wednesday's 3-2, 10-inning loss to the Chicago White Sox after two innings with left shoulder tightness.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The slow starts are baffling to Becht.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 May 2026
-
As the castle’s internal order collapses under the weight of a string of baffling crimes, Araki strikes a fragile alliance with Kuroda Kanbei – a razor-minded captive languishing in his own dungeon – in a race to root out a traitor before Oda’s army closes in.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Chronister said content on Abugharbieh’s phone had been erased, but a forensic examination revealed disturbing searches in the days before Bristy and Limon went missing.—
Mike Schneider,
Sun Sentinel,
1 May 2026
-
The series is riveting and disturbing, culminating with Bateman’s arrest and eventual conviction.—
Maira Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Although pest control companies offer lethal solutions such as carpenter bee traps or chemical treatments, the best way to keep carpenter bees from bugging you is using stained, sealed, varnished or treated wood in building projects.—
Sarah Linn
April 24,
Sacbee.com,
24 Apr. 2026
-
So, all the things people were yelling about with Southwest weren’t bugging me.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vexing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vexing. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
