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
Minaj has sparked backlash for her approving regard of the president, who has made violent persecution of immigrants a cornerstone of his domestic policy since taking office last January.
—
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026
At the noon event, Sladek is expected to read from his memoir, which recounts his escape from persecution into the Tatra mountains along Slovakia’s border with Poland.
—Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2026
Anne Frank, the Jewish teenager whose famous diary details hiding with her family and other Jews during the Nazi persecution in World War II, died at a concentration camp after spending two years in hiding under horrific conditions.
—Terry Collins, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
Kurban fled political persecution in Xinjiang with her family in 1999.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026
At the noon event, Sladek is expected to read from his memoir, which recounts his escape from persecution into the Tatra mountains along Slovakia’s border with Poland.
—Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2026
Anne Frank, the Jewish teenager whose famous diary details hiding with her family and other Jews during the Nazi persecution in World War II, died at a concentration camp after spending two years in hiding under horrific conditions.
—Terry Collins, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
Kurban fled political persecution in Xinjiang with her family in 1999.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecution
Noun
-
Many of his victims said that their relationships with family members, employers and partners were irreparably harmed as a result of Hardy's hacking and harassment, which often included sending nude photos of his victims to people in their personal networks.—
Jessica Sager,
PEOPLE,
26 Jan. 2026
-
In September 2021, the Spirit fired head coach Richie Burke following allegations of emotional and verbal harassment.—
Emily Olsen,
New York Times,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
There is inward-looking anger in Thompson’s voice, halfway between rebuke and lament.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Liam's detention last month prompted anger.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But for redness- or irritation-prone skin, sometimes that’s not enough.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Unlike some eye creams sought after for their anti-aging results, where harsh actives offer risk of irritation or dryness, this does none of that.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecution. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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