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
For Antoinette, 51, who did not want her last name used for fear of deportation and likely persecution in her native country, the loss of food aid is dire.
—
Renuka Rayasam, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2025
Zaslav in his speech got surprisingly personal about his family’s trials, triumphs and their escape from persecution in Poland to create a new life in America.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025
Continue reading … ‘ANTI-GRETA’ – German activist known for views on climate seeks US asylum, citing political persecution.
—FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025
The conditions that prompted large numbers of migrants to leave countries such as Venezuela, Haiti and Cuba — poverty, hunger, insecurity, political upheaval, persecution — have not changed, Saldivar said.
—Daniel Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Renuka Rayasam, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2025
Zaslav in his speech got surprisingly personal about his family’s trials, triumphs and their escape from persecution in Poland to create a new life in America.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025
Continue reading … ‘ANTI-GRETA’ – German activist known for views on climate seeks US asylum, citing political persecution.
—FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025
The conditions that prompted large numbers of migrants to leave countries such as Venezuela, Haiti and Cuba — poverty, hunger, insecurity, political upheaval, persecution — have not changed, Saldivar said.
—Daniel Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecution
Noun
-
Online attacks against Banda escalated after her recognition for FIFPRO Women's World 11, prompting the NWSL to issue a statement denouncing all forms of harassment and affirming support for Banda and all players.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Fortunately, Marty, posing as a federal agent here to arrest Lee for harassment, bursts through the One Well doors in the nick of time.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The thumping Republicans took in this week's elections reflected longer-running anger among constituencies that already leaned Democratic, but the GOP needs to worry that the government shutdown will cause that frustration to spread.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
And that is why my first true voice—the one that could hold complexity, contradiction, grief, even anger—came in English.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Parsons’ irritation with the play stems from the Eagles leaving early and officials not penalizing them.—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Side effects of the initial treatment were minimal, mostly irritation at infusion sites, according to the study.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecution. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share