vex
15 synonyms and 2 antonyms for vex, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To annoy or irritate someone.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use vex
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
vex someone
a vexing problem
Somewhat formal or literary — "annoy" or "irritate" are more common in everyday speech.
Etymology
From Old French vexer, from Latin vexare, "to disturb, agitate, annoy".
Full origin of vex →Frequently asked questions
What does “vex” mean?
The word “vex” means to annoy or irritate someone. In plain terms, to annoy, irritate, or trouble someone.
How do you pronounce “vex”?
“Vex” is pronounced vehks (/vɛks/ in IPA).
How do you use “vex” in a sentence?
Here is “vex” used in a sentence: “It vexes me when people talk during films.”
What is another word for “vex”?
Words with a similar meaning to “vex” include afflict, aggrieve, plague, atray, cag and distress.
What is the opposite of “vex”?
The opposite of “vex” — its antonyms — are alleviate and comfort.
What part of speech is “vex”?
“Vex” is a verb.
Where does the word “vex” come from?
The word “vex” comes from Latin. From Old French vexer, from Latin vexare, "to disturb, agitate, annoy".
How many meanings does “vex” have?
“Vex” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to annoy or irritate someone.
