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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb vex differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of vex are annoy, bother, and irk. While all these words mean "to upset a person's composure," 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

Where would annoy be a reasonable alternative to vex?

The synonyms annoy and vex are sometimes interchangeable, but annoy implies a wearing on the nerves by persistent petty unpleasantness.

their constant complaining annoys us

When can bother be used instead of vex?

While the synonyms bother and vex are close in meaning, bother suggests interference with comfort or peace of mind.

don't bother me while I'm reading

When is it sensible to use irk instead of vex?

In some situations, the words irk and vex are roughly equivalent. However, irk stresses difficulty in enduring and the resulting weariness or impatience of spirit.

careless waste irks the boss

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 vex The same data demons that vexed the Bruins in the NHL Draft lottery, or that continue to haunt Jim Montgomery following his team’s Game 7 loss to Winnipeg, showed up wearing Blue and Orange Monday. Bill Speros, Boston Herald, 7 May 2025 When hounded by Amen Thompson and the same Houston wings who had vexed him at Chase Center, Curry schooled the young Rockets in the rematch en route to 31 points. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 21 Apr. 2025 The reporting of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has vexed autocratic-minded leaders in Russia and Hungary as well as their allies. David Folkenflik, NPR, 10 Mar. 2025 The change vexed opposing hitters on both sides of the plate and held batters to a .157 batting average. Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vex
Verb
  • Orlando Sentinel Residents also allege the neighbor erected phallic objects on a fence at his home to annoy them.
    Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2025
  • Cahill also spoke about how the political nature of the case annoyed him, as politicians spoke out about Floyd's death, and some called for system-wide change.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • There was one final thing that left St John perplexed.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 11 May 2025
  • The results achieved statistical significance in one part of the analysis but not in others, perplexing outside experts.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • After years of ‘losing culture,’ can the new-look Chicago Bears turn things around on defense? Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard didn’t bother mincing words.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
  • Users do have to purchase such gadgets, learn how to utilize them, and put them on their body, however, which are all steps that many folks simply won't bother taking.
    Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Babb acknowledged that the team was bewildered at the stunning turn of events.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 30 May 2025
  • They were bewildered for me, and so was all the other staff.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • There are pull-ups made with Velcro that can irritate your child’s skin, especially when misaligned.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 23 May 2025
  • Sturdy posts at the front of the shoes connect to a flip-flop style design that won’t irritate or chafe your skin, while the supportive insoles are far better-suited for days spent on your feet than flimsy, cheaper sandals.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Elections and Certifications Don’t confuse a benefit or B corporation with a B Corp.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • The measures are set to take effect on Monday and have left many Haitians confused.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Leopoldo chose to be the voice of the people who elected him, and was persecuted for it.
    Imamu "Mu" Tomlinson, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • After being persecuted for the nature of her work, the political scientist arrived to the U.S. in 2022 on a visa.
    Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • What’s more, the double-stitched seams and baffle box design keep lumps at bay.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2025
  • The owner shared a video of the car veering left, a video that has Tesla examiner’s baffled.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vex. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vex

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