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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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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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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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 annual Group of 7 summit for decades has been an occasion for the heads of state of Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan and the United States to meet as friends and try to hash out a collective approach to the vexing problems of the day. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026 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
Verb
But the reality is that there are no easy solutions to this problem vexing the White House. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 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 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
  • The frustrating part is that the offense has been really good.
    — Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The Cowboys are one of the more frustrating teams in football.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 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
  • Overrun with puzzling plot points, several cameos and a bloated supporting cast, the series fails to stick the landing.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Around the Street -The financial press is doing an admirable job of puzzling through the confluence of causes of the brutal global bond-market rout, without pretending to arrive at a discrete cause.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of puzzling
Adjective
  • That tiny gesture may explain why secret copying can feel especially irritating.
    — Alesandra Dubin, Glamour, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Despite its splashy unveiling, Project Zenith is more about making the OS less irritating for developers than adding any groundbreaking capabilities.
    — Chris Hoffman, PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of irritating
Verb
  • The goal is not to solve what’s bothering you but to let the thoughts move through.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Lane Kiffin will stroll off the LSU bus later this afternoon, acting as if none of the noise is bothering him.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of bothering
Verb
  • Their admirable determination makes Diamantis’ flight from the United States baffling for us and humiliating for them.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The sequel, on the other hand, is shaped by baffling decisions from director Susanne Bier and cinematographer Simon Duggan that render the film antiseptic.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of baffling
Adjective
  • Brian had written down the recipe, and, in his back shed, Michael, with the eventual assistance of Kasey, sets about following it into strange and disturbing territory.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Artificial’s timeliness in that regard is striking, even disturbing.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of disturbing
Verb
  • However, in-flight cabin etiquette is only one part of what’s bugging travelers this summer.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The necessity of the trip at all is what's been bugging me.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 12 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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