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
-
At the time, Congress overhauled parts of its opaque workplace complaint system, ended the use of taxpayer money for future harassment settlements, and created new support structures for staff members seeking legal help.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
11 May 2026
-
When Burke was brought to court on misdemeanor assault and harassment charges, prosecutors asked that he be held on $3,000 bail, but, once again, a judge gave him supervised release, according to court documents.—
Rebecca White,
New York Daily News,
9 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
-
Until the time of surgery if it is warranted, sometimes using saline flushes or eye lubricants can minimize irritation of the eyes.—
Dr. John De Jong,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
-
Those are paired with a soothing lineup of Centella asiatica, madecassoside, panthenol, and allantoin to keep skin balanced (as irritation can worsen pigmentation).—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecution. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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