fret vs vex

fret is a noun but vex is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
fret	Yes	No	Yes	No
vex	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, vex is a hypernym of fret; that is, vex is a word with a broader meaning than fret:

Other hypernyms of fret include annoy, bother, chafe, devil, get at, get to, gravel, irritate, nark, nettle, rag, rile.

As verbs, vex is a hypernym of fret; that is, vex is a word with a broader meaning than fret:

Other hypernyms of fret include annoy, bother, chafe, devil, get at, get to, gravel, irritate, nark, nettle, rag, rile.

fret (noun)	vex (noun)
a small bar of metal across the fingerboard of a musical instrument; when the string is stopped by a finger at the metal bar it will produce a note of the desired pitch
an ornamental pattern consisting of repeated vertical and horizontal lines (often in relief)
a spot that has been worn away by abrasion or erosion
agitation resulting from active worry

fret (verb)	vex (verb)
wear away or erode	be a mystery or bewildering to
remove soil or rock	subject to prolonged examination, discussion, or deliberation
cause friction	change the arrangement or position of
be too tight; rub or press	cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
decorate with an interlaced design	disturb the peace of mind of; afflict with mental agitation or distress
carve a pattern into
be agitated or irritated
cause annoyance in
gnaw into; make resentful or angry
worry unnecessarily or excessively
become or make sore by or as if by rubbing
provide (a musical instrument) with frets