vexed
Americanadjective
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irritated; annoyed.
The shop's customers were often vexed at the slow sales clerks.
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much discussed or disputed; difficult to resolve or understand; contentious.
The mining rights for that area are a vexed issue.
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afflicted by torment or trouble (often used in combination).
Citizens showed increasing frustration with the corruption-vexed government.
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tossed about, as by waves or other physical forces.
The loud, perpetual roar of the vexed waters filled the valley.
adjective
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annoyed, confused, or agitated
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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
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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Mad Infinitum: Synonyms for "Angry"
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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.
To call this a vexed question is putting it mildly.
From Salon ● Sep. 15, 2026
The wicked Navier-Stokes problem had vexed mathematicians for nearly a century.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 12, 2026
A multiday music festival on the beach is a SoCal dream that has tantalized and vexed concert promoters for generations.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2026
But along with the surge in tourism comes misbehaviour that has vexed locals and Balinese authorities.
From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026
I tried wrapping my arms ’round her to pull her close, but that jus’ got her more and more vexed.
From "The Journey of Little Charlie" by Christopher Paul Curtis
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.
