MEANING
To trouble, annoy, or worry someone, often persistently or because a problem is difficult.
Use it for
Show a concern that nags, irritates, or puzzles.Use for a persistent irritation or difficult question that continues to trouble a character.
Words that belong together
- vex a person
- vexing question
- be vexed by a problem
On the page
The unanswered knock vexed him more than the locked door.
Nearby words
Opposite meanings
Word forms
- Base
- vex
- Past tense
- vexed
- Past participle
- vexed
- Present participle
- vexing
Full tense & aspect guide
- Present
- vex
- Present continuous
- am/is/are vexing
- Present perfect
- have/has vexed
- Present perfect continuous
- have/has been vexing
- Past
- vexed
- Past continuous
- was/were vexing
- Past perfect
- had vexed
- Past perfect continuous
- had been vexing
- Future
- will vex
- Future continuous
- will be vexing
- Future perfect
- will have vexed
- Future perfect continuous
- will have been vexing
Choose the auxiliary that agrees with your subject. These are constructions of one word, not separate entries.
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Usage notes
Can suggest irritation or mental puzzlement; “vexed question” is often a difficult or disputed issue.
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
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