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
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
That policy left thousands of refugees, who fled war and persecution and had gone through a sometimes yearslong vetting process to start new lives in America, stranded at places worldwide, including the base in Qatar.
—Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2026
That policy left thousands of refugees who fled war and persecution, and had gone through a sometimes yearslong vetting process to start new lives in America, stranded at places worldwide, including the base in Qatar.
—ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026
Immigrants can claim asylum on the basis of persecution for nationality, race, religion, political opinion, or membership in a social group.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026
That policy left thousands of refugees, who fled war and persecution and had gone through a sometimes yearslong vetting process to start new lives in America, stranded at places worldwide, including the base in Qatar.
—Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2026
That policy left thousands of refugees who fled war and persecution, and had gone through a sometimes yearslong vetting process to start new lives in America, stranded at places worldwide, including the base in Qatar.
—ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026
Immigrants can claim asylum on the basis of persecution for nationality, race, religion, political opinion, or membership in a social group.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecution
Noun
-
Sports betting can tempt athletes to manipulate games or lead them to face harassment from gamblers upset with their performance.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
27 Apr. 2026
-
According to the court documents, Vasquez reported the mistreatment after Thanksgiving 2024, and in response, the harassment escalated.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In response to that outpouring of anger, the government said Starmer acknowledged fear within the community.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
1 May 2026
-
The anger is understandable, but it’s pointed in the wrong direction.—
Robert Johnson,
Rolling Stone,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Inside the formula, castor oil, soybean oil, and panthenol leave hair smooth and shiny, while calming chamomile and calendula extracts keep your scalp irritation-free.—
Sarah Felbin,
Allure,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe exited in the eighth with left wrist irritation.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecution. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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