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
The players, who’ve been playing in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, are at the center of growing calls for their exit from the country to be blocked for fear of persecution in Iran, their home country that’s at war with the US and Israel under a new hardline supreme leader.
—
Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 9 Mar. 2026
Australia appears willing to assist the women, who apparently fear persecution at home.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
For Madison, such persecution was blatantly unjust.
—Corey D. B. Walker, The Conversation, 9 Mar. 2026
Many of the border deportations targeted migrants seeking asylum after fleeing persecution in their home countries.
—Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 9 Mar. 2026
Australia appears willing to assist the women, who apparently fear persecution at home.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
For Madison, such persecution was blatantly unjust.
—Corey D. B. Walker, The Conversation, 9 Mar. 2026
Many of the border deportations targeted migrants seeking asylum after fleeing persecution in their home countries.
—Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecution
Noun
-
County officials intervened and blocked the dismissal, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a workplace free from retaliation and harassment.—
Jodi Balma,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Pawula was investigated after Hastings lodged a complaint with state police, but charges of harassment through electronic communication and transmitting obscene messages were dropped.—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The decision closed a flashpoint case that has bitterly divided Israel since the soldiers were arrested in 2024 at the notorious Sde Teiman military prison, prompting anger from members of the far-right government and hard-line ultranationalists who violently overran the prison in protest.—
JULIA FRANKEL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
13 Mar. 2026
-
At the cemetery, drug-war widows unleashed on him the full force of their anger and anguish.—
Sheila Coronel,
The Atlantic,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
According to Smith, people with normal and oily skin can often use standard formulas, whereas those with dry or mature skin should opt for hydrating ones to prevent irritation and creasing.—
Caroline Shannon Karasik,
InStyle,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Uncompromising Hygiene and Safety Pregnant and postpartum bodies are often highly sensitive to touch and smell, so much so that, at times, otherwise minor irritations and sensations can feel overwhelming.—
Ethan Stone,
USA Today,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecution. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
