as in harassment
something that causes mental distress
The media's constant persecution was beginning to affect their lives.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
But proselytizing to Muslims by non-Muslims is a crime, and some other Christian denominations have faced persecution from Algerian authorities, who have closed their churches.
—
Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
But proselytizing to Muslims by non-Muslims is a crime, and some other Christian denominations have faced persecution from Algerian authorities, who have closed their churches.
—ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
The 2026 Open Doors World Watch List placed Algeria in the 20th position for Christian persecution.
—Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2026
Among gravesites and crooked slabs, this medieval tapestry of bell towers, vaulted corridors, and sacred frescoes whispered tales of faith and persecution.
—Marlise Kast-Myers, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
But proselytizing to Muslims by non-Muslims is a crime, and some other Christian denominations have faced persecution from Algerian authorities, who have closed their churches.
—ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
The 2026 Open Doors World Watch List placed Algeria in the 20th position for Christian persecution.
—Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2026
Among gravesites and crooked slabs, this medieval tapestry of bell towers, vaulted corridors, and sacred frescoes whispered tales of faith and persecution.
—Marlise Kast-Myers, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecution
Noun
-
During Lyonne’s active addiction, she also was arrested for a DUI in 2001, then charged in 2004 with mischief, trespassing and harassment of a neighbor.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Tisza’s database was at one point hacked and posted online, apparently to encourage harassment of party members.—
Anne Applebaum,
The Atlantic,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
When John begins spitting out his food, his mother, Heather (Shirley Henderson), worn down by exhaustion and anger, banishes him from the dinner table—the first in an unceasing series of maternal rejections.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
-
And after confusion came anger.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Moon in your sensitive 8th house is squaring Venus in your aspirational 11th house, potentially inciting irritation at the intersection of individual privacy and group plans.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Apr. 2026
-
But that mild irritation can escalate into persistent discomfort, burning and other symptoms that interfere with everyday life.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecution. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
