vexed
Americanadjective
-
irritated; annoyed.
The shop's customers were often vexed at the slow sales clerks.
-
much discussed or disputed; difficult to resolve or understand; contentious.
The mining rights for that area are a vexed issue.
-
afflicted by torment or trouble (often used in combination).
Citizens showed increasing frustration with the corruption-vexed government.
-
tossed about, as by waves or other physical forces.
The loud, perpetual roar of the vexed waters filled the valley.
adjective
-
annoyed, confused, or agitated
-
much debated and discussed (esp in the phrase a vexed question )
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of vexed
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; see origin at vex, -ed 2
Explanation
Vexed means "difficult and much debated." If your family is having trouble coming to an agreement about where to go on vacation next summer, your holiday trip has become a vexed issue. When people can't resolve an issue or find a solution, it is a vexed problem — one that's become complicated because of differing and probably strong opinions. Vexed can also describe being irritated. If you borrowed your sister's car without asking permission, and if she had a fancy way of putting things, she might tell you she's incredibly vexed with you right now.
Vocabulary lists containing vexed
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 3
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Mad Infinitum: Synonyms for "Angry"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Vexed, Celeste retorts, “It’s supposed to feel like a club . . . A lot of the people coming to this show don’t even talk to their families.”
From Salon • Feb. 8, 2026
Vexed by heart trouble for much of his adult life, Cheney died Monday night due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, according to a statement from his family.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 4, 2025
Vexed police officers made only halting progress in identifying possible suspects.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 5, 2024
Vexed and burning up in the late spring sun — O’Connor is, in his own words, “tragically Irish” — he turned to the 70-foot statue behind him.
From The Verge • Aug. 20, 2020
Vexed and annoyed, I cried out to the absent Hamlet, “You are a knave indeed to abuse me so with your lies and promises! You are not worthy of my love!”
From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
