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
- half-vexed adjective
- unvexed adjective
- vexedly adverb
- vexedness noun
Etymology
Origin of vexed
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.
Though timing these cycles has vexed many investors, there was a fairly familiar pattern of sales growing quickly, then shrinking.
From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026
This close alignment with American interests has at times vexed the Danish population.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026
But it has long vexed visitors to the predominantly Buddhist country - which is also known for its vibrant party scene.
From BBC • Dec. 3, 2025
Rubbing his head in frustration on the touchline, Guardiola seemed especially vexed by Abdukodir Khusanov's leaden-footed attempt to close down Grimaldo prior to the goal.
From Barron's • Nov. 25, 2025
For her part, Emma was vexed when he referred to the house as “his,” not “ours,” and she told him so.
From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman
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.
