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 movement, which had roots in the medieval tradition of churches providing sanctuary for those fleeing persecution, was aimed at providing a safe haven for Central Americans running from political repression and violence in their home countries. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026 Early documentation of the practice is sparse, however, owing at least in part to the marginalization and persecution of the Shiʿah for much of the early Islamic period. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 July 2026 In each case, a politician is appealing over institutional bodies’ heads to the people and framing the appeal itself as proof of his or her persecution. — Melissa Bell, CNN Money, 8 July 2026 Many Quakers eventually left England for America to escape religious persecution. — Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for persecution

Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecution

Noun

This strange and layered case is the subject of the documentary, A Toxic Love Story, out July 22 on Netflix, which recounts the events that led to uncovering Ian and Angela as the true sources of the harassment.

— Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 22 July 2026
Abarca was further charged with two counts of harassment by telecommunications device in Hutchinson, Kansas municipal court in December, according to court records.

— Ilana Arougheti July 21, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2026

Definition of harassment

Noun

Jennifer Wedel, whose daughter graduated from Heritage Christian Academy, has been outspoken about her frustration and anger at Eric Crawford allowing his son to work around children.

— Rachel Royster July 23, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
Much of the public’s anger was directed at Syrskyi, who became a symbol of deeper frustrations that had accumulated within the military since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026

Definition of anger

Noun

Carbonated drinks can also increase gas and abdominal discomfort, and alcohol may worsen dehydration and stomach irritation.

— Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Later perimenopause can stretch cycles up to two months apart, with hot flashes affecting roughly 80% of women and new symptoms emerging, including depression, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness and vulvar irritation.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026

Definition of irritation

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“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecution. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of persecution

noun

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