PERSECUTION Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

persecution

noun

Definition of persecution

as in harassment

something that causes mental distress The media's constant persecution was beginning to affect their lives.

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of persecution The persecution of witches accelerated in lockstep with the increasing privatization of property in the sixteenth century. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026 Built and expanded over centuries, Derinkuyu offered a haven for entire communities to vanish underground during times of war or religious persecution, sealing themselves in behind massive stone doors. — Maya Chawla, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026 Human Rights Watch’s report says some people deported to third countries face detention, abuse and the prospect of persecution. — Mark Banchereau, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 Human Rights Watch's report says some people deported to third countries face detention, abuse and the prospect of persecution. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for persecution

Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecution

Noun

Six Lincoln-Way students accused of racial harassment were ultimately allowed to withdraw from the school game incident, instead of being expelled.

— CBS News, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
The Board of Regents will vote Thursday on changes to the Title IX policy, which governs harassment and discrimination.

— Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of harassment

Noun

We are connected across continents in milliseconds, but too often separated by fear, anger, and mistrust.

— Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
For property owners who poured their life savings into Camelot, the arrival of heavy machinery brings mounting anger over how local authorities handled the complex's long, troubled decline.

— La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of anger

Noun

The cream caused minimal skin irritation, and the drug was detected in the blood of very few participants, according to the company.

— Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
My irritation was not with the charge itself but with how some of the commentaries about it invoked as evidence Vance’s wish to be buried in the country graveyard where generations of his ancestors already rest.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of irritation

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persecuting

persecution

persecutions

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“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecution. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of persecution

noun

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