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
But the plight of the displaced today, whether from war, genocide, persecution or prejudice, will always call to me as a subject.
—
Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
Reparations will support education, economic aid and mental health services, with programs specifically targeting women and girls who endured systematic persecution by extremists in Timbuktu.
—Molly Quell, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Too many Americans know little about Jewish history beyond persecution and tragedy.
—Laurence Milstein, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
This includes certain dual citizens of other countries, those facing persecution in Iran and those traveling on specific visas.
—Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
Reparations will support education, economic aid and mental health services, with programs specifically targeting women and girls who endured systematic persecution by extremists in Timbuktu.
—Molly Quell, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Too many Americans know little about Jewish history beyond persecution and tragedy.
—Laurence Milstein, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
This includes certain dual citizens of other countries, those facing persecution in Iran and those traveling on specific visas.
—Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecution
Noun
-
An ally in public As the MeToo movement focused attention on women facing harassment in the workplace, Swalwell publicly positioned himself as a champion of women.—
Allison Gordon,
CNN Money,
4 May 2026
-
Facing these smear-site claims, Baldoni in particular was still loathed to cop to any of the harassment or digital punking, sources tell me.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
The family’s anger has subsided some since the baby’s death, in part because of their trust in God’s plan.—
Duaa Eldeib,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
-
The Nuggets need more athleticism, more length, more anger, more hunger.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The chafing is bad enough, but even worse, after the initial irritation subsides, my legs are embarrassingly left with dark spots and hyperpigmentation.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
3 May 2026
-
Speaking of dry skin, glycerin draws in hydration, colloidal oatmeal calms itchiness and irritation, and aloe provides an immediate, cooling relief when skin feels hot or reactive.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecution. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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