as in harassment
something that causes mental distress
The media's constant persecution was beginning to affect their lives.
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Recent Examples of persecution
Because the main reason why there was the separation between church and state was created was to protect Christians from persecution by other Christians.
—
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 June 2025
Today, many immigrants arrive here from dire circumstances — fleeing autocratic governments, war, persecution, and violent criminal regimes.
—Joanie Schirm, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2025
So were immediate family members of some existing visa holders, Afghan nationals who were employed by the U.S. and ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 11 June 2025
In September 2023, Savannah Chrisley went on a podcast and claimed that her parents, reality stars Todd and Julie, were in prison due to political persecution.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 June 2025
Today, many immigrants arrive here from dire circumstances — fleeing autocratic governments, war, persecution, and violent criminal regimes.
—Joanie Schirm, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2025
So were immediate family members of some existing visa holders, Afghan nationals who were employed by the U.S. and ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 11 June 2025
In September 2023, Savannah Chrisley went on a podcast and claimed that her parents, reality stars Todd and Julie, were in prison due to political persecution.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecution
Noun
-
He’s allowed to feel the frustration and anger at them.—
Eric Thomas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 June 2025
-
One legacy of Biden’s disastrous 2024 campaign has Democratic anger at the refusal of some elderly politicians to recognize when the time has come to cede the spotlight.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
The formula is lightweight and non-greasy, with a soft, powdery finish that helps prevent irritation without feeling heavy.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
22 June 2025
-
With people spending over two hours a day on social media, each swipe delivers another micro-dose of engagement—or irritation.—
ByLyric Mandell,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecution. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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