Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
The closest companion to SATVocab for students who want guided lessons and written practice.
Check the workbook
Vex
To irritate, annoy, or provoke; to cause distress or perplexity.
verbCheck this word before you leave
Pick the meaning. Keys A–D work too.
How well do you know this word now?
Your choice schedules the next review.
💡
Imagine This
Imagine you're solving a difficult puzzle and a classmate keeps interrupting with trivial questions; each interruption vexes you more, until you can barely focus on the task.
🔊
Sounds Like
/vɛks/; rhymes with 'sex' and 'plex'.
👀
Looks Like
A short, sharp word with V at the start and X at the end.
📝
Remember This
Vex is stronger and more formal than 'annoy' and often describes persistent trouble, annoyance, or a puzzling problem.
📚
Other Forms
vexesverb
vexedadjective
vexingadjective
vexationnoun
vexernoun
🔗
Connect With
annoy, irritate, bother, perplex, exasperate, provoke
📌
Note
Vex can describe both people who irritate and situations or problems that frustrate. The noun form is 'vexation'; related adjectives include 'vexing' and 'vexed'.
🧠
Study Deeper
Examples
- The constant interruptions vexed the presenter and disrupted the lecture.
- The puzzling cipher continued to vex the researchers for weeks.
Synonyms
annoyirritatebotherperplexexasperate
Antonyms
delightpleasesoothecalmpacify
Etymology
From Latin vexare 'to harass, trouble', from vexum 'a thing that troubles'.
Mnemonic
Very EXasperating: VEX reminds you that when something vexes you, it provokes exasperation.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
Study beyond this word
Turn vocabulary practice into a complete SAT plan
Add a workbook for repetition or the official guide for full-test context.
First-time test takers
Official SAT Guide
Official question styles, test structure, and print practice from the College Board.
Check the official guidePaid Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.