Hex is a short word with a few different meanings. Most often it refers to a magicRelating to supernatural powers or actions that seem to defy ordinary explanation. curseA spoken wish that brings bad luck or harm to someone. or spell, but it can also describe the base-16 number system used in computingUsing computers to process, store, and manipulate information..
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /hɛks/
Easy pronunciation: HEKS (approximate spelling).
Stress: Single-syllable word; the only syllable is stressed.
Noun meaning an evil spell or curse.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Hex Meaning
a spell meant to cause harm or bad luck
Part of speech: noun
Definition: an evil spell or curse
Example: She blamed the string of bad luck on a hex.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- curse — A direct match for an evil spell or harmful charm.
- jinx — Often used for bad luck or a supposed curse, though less literal than hex.
- whammy — An informal word for a bad spell or harmful influence.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Hex
Meaning 2
using base 16, especially in computing
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: of or relating to a number system with 16 as its base
Example: The value was shown in hex format.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- hexadecimal — The standard term for base-16 notation.
Meaning 3
to place a spell on someone or something
Part of speech: verb
Definition: to cast a spell on someone or something; to put a hex on someone or something
Example: Legend said the witch had hexed the village.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- bewitch — A real substitute in the magical sense.
- enchant — Can mean to cast a spell, though it is often more positive in tone.
- glamour — Used in older or more literary senses of magic.
- jinx — Can mean to bring bad luck by supernatural means, but is less direct than hex.
- witch — Can function as a verb meaning to enchant or bewitch, though it is less common.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Hex Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- curse
- jinx
- whammy
adjective: relating to base-16 notation
- hexadecimal
verb: to cast a spell on someone or something
- bewitch
- enchant
- glamour
- jinx
- witch
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Hex can mean a magic curse or spell, but it does not usually mean ordinary bad luck.
- The adjective hex is about base 16 in computing, not magic.
- As a verb, hex means to put a spell on something, not simply to annoy it.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hex mean?
Hex most commonly means an evil spell or curse. It can also describe anything related to the base-16 number system, especially in computing.
What are the synonyms of hex?
For the noun meaning, close synonyms include curse, jinx, and whammy. For the verb meaning, bewitch and enchant are good matches. For the base-16 adjective, the main synonym is hexadecimal.
Is hex a noun or a verb?
It can be both. As a noun, it means a curse or evil spell. As a verb, it means to cast a spell on someone or something.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.