vexatious
Causing much irritation
Vexatious describes something that causes annoyance, frustration, or distress—especially through persistent harassment or frivolous legal action.
A vexatious lawsuit is filed to harass rather than win.
A vexatious neighbor creates endless petty disputes.
The word carries a formal, slightly legalistic tone: The court dismissed the complaint as vexatious.
Causing mild frustration
- bothersomeCausing mild annoyance
- irksomeCausing mild frustration
- exasperatingIntensely irritating
- aggravatingCausing irritation or worsening
grating · nettlesome · pestering · nagging · troublesome · maddening · infuriating · wearisome
Not worthy of attention
- lawsuitCivil court proceeding
- plaintiffCivil case initiator
- harassmentAggressive, unwanted targeting
- litigationLegal dispute process
injunction · court order · querulous · complainant · litigant · filing · petition · spurious
Lacking significance or weight
- nigglingTrivially but persistently bothersome
- picayuneOf trivial importance
- triflingOf no real importance
- piddlingInsignificantly small
quibbling · nitpicking · hair-splitting · pettifogging · fussy · inconsequential · minor · small-minded
Causing unease or concern
- disturbingCausing mental unease
- upsettingCausing emotional turmoil
- disquietingCausing unease or worry
- unsettlingCausing unease or discomfort
worrying · disconcerting · distressing · agitating · perturbing · discomposing · tormenting · afflicting
irritating
Causing mild frustration
- bothersomeCausing mild annoyance
- irksomeCausing mild frustration
- exasperatingIntensely irritating
aggravating · grating · nettlesome · pestering · nagging · troublesome · maddening · infuriating · wearisome · tedious
frivolous
Not worthy of attention
- lawsuitCivil court proceeding
- plaintiffCivil case initiator
- harassmentAggressive, unwanted targeting
litigation · injunction · court order · querulous · complainant · litigant · filing · petition · spurious · groundless
trivial
Lacking significance or weight
- nigglingTrivially but persistently bothersome
- picayuneOf trivial importance
- triflingOf no real importance
piddling · quibbling · nitpicking · hair-splitting · pettifogging · fussy · inconsequential · minor · small-minded · pedantic
troubling
Causing unease or concern
- disturbingCausing mental unease
- upsettingCausing emotional turmoil
- disquietingCausing unease or worry
unsettling · worrying · disconcerting · distressing · agitating · perturbing · discomposing · tormenting · afflicting · harrowing
- irritatingannoying, aggravating, bothersome, exasperating, frustrating
vexatioussoothing
Reducing distress or discomfort
pleasing · calming · delightful · comforting · agreeable
vexatioushelpful
Giving useful aid
accommodating · aiding · assisting · cooperative · facilitative