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
By the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, larger waves of Jewish immigrants arrived from Eastern Europe, fleeing poverty, violence, and religious persecution.
—
Jason Touvi, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026
Open Doors, which tracks Christian persecution, ranks Iran among the top 10 most dangerous countries for Christians.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026
Those under occupation, dictatorship, persecution, and those experiencing genocide.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Feb. 2026
Lies, corrupt leaders, poisoning, and persecution of a race.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Jason Touvi, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026
Open Doors, which tracks Christian persecution, ranks Iran among the top 10 most dangerous countries for Christians.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026
Those under occupation, dictatorship, persecution, and those experiencing genocide.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Feb. 2026
Lies, corrupt leaders, poisoning, and persecution of a race.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecution
Noun
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Many scenes take place at local grassroots organizations, such as the headquarters of Make the Road New York, where immigrants congregate to tell their stories and find solutions to problems such as acquiring an ID and avoiding police harassment.—
Vikram Murthi,
The Atlantic,
22 Feb. 2026
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According to Ruby, seven of the 20 or so churches in G92, a Christian immigrant advocacy coalition in the city, are ready to offer physical sanctuary, though many are avoiding publicity for fear of harassment.—
Caitlin Hu,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Prosecutors said Serafini’s crimes were driven by anger and financial distress.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2026
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Recent suicide bombings have also reignited Pakistan’s anger with the Taliban for allegedly harbouring and supporting militant groups in Afghanistan that carry out attacks in Pakistan, which the Taliban denies.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The mask is also made with complexion-soothing oatmeal to treat redness and irritation, along with kaolin clay to gently, yet deeply penetrate your pores and exfoliate impurities.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
22 Feb. 2026
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In conjunction with a relaxing lavender and tea tree scent, there’s also a botanical blend of fumaria tea and swertia japonica extract to soothe irritation, boost circulation, and promote a healthier scalp environment.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecution. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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