PERSECUTION Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

persecution

noun

Definition of persecution

as in harassment

something that causes mental distress The media's constant persecution was beginning to affect their lives.

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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 Martin Sherman’s play Bent (1979), an excoriating account of the Nazi persecution of homosexuals that is also a story of love between two men in the most terrible circumstances, belongs to this select category. — Simon Callow, The New York Review of Books, 19 Sep. 2026 In an interview on the Axios Show, Alex Thompson questioned Piker over his love of China, known for its heavy persecution of Uyghur Muslims, despite frequently decrying Israel for its own treatment of Muslims. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2026 In a world where conflict and persecution are driving displacement and division, cinematic storytelling has a vital role to play in connecting with the experiences of others. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026 Thaci faced multiple counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity including murder, torture and persecution alongside three other former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army who fought Serb forces in the 1998-99 war. — CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for persecution

Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecution

Noun

Campbell is now charged with simple assault and harassment, which are misdemeanor and summary offenses.

— Shelley Bortz, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
The Times examined the county’s restraining order process, compiling data from hundreds of thousands of cases, and interviewing dozens of domestic abuse and harassment victims, attorneys and victim service providers.

— Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of harassment

Noun

Lee’s film is motivated less by anger and more by curiosity, compassion and a general confusion, as no one quite knows how to behave or feel or just be.

— Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
In politics—according to Berman and, by extension, Longwell—the most convincing arguments play to love, sympathy, greed, fear, and anger.

— Isaac Arnsdorf, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of anger

Noun

Veterinarian Kelly Hood adds that dogs with skin or respiratory sensitivities are especially vulnerable to irritation.

— Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026
My feelings about Dudamel as an interpreter have ranged from irritation at his turn-it-up-to-11 showiness to admiration for his ability to make listeners hear music afresh.

— Justin Davidson, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of irritation

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persecuting

persecution

persecutions

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“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecution. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of persecution

noun

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