as in harassment
something that causes mental distress
The media's constant persecution was beginning to affect their lives.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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
Nigeria ranks seventh on Open Doors’ 2025 World Watchlist, an annual index of countries where Christians face the most persecution.
—
Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2025
The government's removal would result in irreparable harm including exposure to violence, persecution, and family separation.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
An immigration judge granted him approval to stay in the U.S. after fleeing El Salvador due to violence and persecution.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2025
Driven by financial hardship, political suppression and religious persecution, roughly 38,200 unauthorized Chinese migrants were apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the southern border in 2024—up from roughly 2,200 in 2022, according to World Press Photo.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2025
The government's removal would result in irreparable harm including exposure to violence, persecution, and family separation.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
An immigration judge granted him approval to stay in the U.S. after fleeing El Salvador due to violence and persecution.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2025
Driven by financial hardship, political suppression and religious persecution, roughly 38,200 unauthorized Chinese migrants were apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the southern border in 2024—up from roughly 2,200 in 2022, according to World Press Photo.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecution
Noun
-
Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to …boffo box office!—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
27 Apr. 2025
-
The focal point of our anger and pain may not even know we are hurt.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Moreover, over 70% of participants experienced mild skin irritation from the vinegar.—
Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN,
Verywell Health,
25 Apr. 2025
-
These shifts can have a significant impact on the skin barrier, often leading to irritation, dryness, or breakouts.—
Cierra Black,
Essence,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecution. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share