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 This should be particularly troubling to Floridians, whose communities include Nicaraguans who fled persecution and rebuilt their lives in the United States. — Lynn Northcutt Vega, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026 Most historians blame Mao's policies for tens of millions of deaths through famine and politically motivated persecution. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026 In a video posted Monday, Flávio Bolsonaro addressed his brother’s comments and promised to comply with the Supreme Court order, citing political persecution. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2026 Pollokshields is the most diverse neighborhood in Scotland, with 86 languages spoken among its residents, and has always been seen as something of a safe haven for those fleeing persecution. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for persecution

Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecution

Noun

Jewish residents have faced physical attacks, threats and harassment, making the specificity of its new plan and its contrast with New York City’s approach particularly notable.

— Ariella Noveck, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026
Eisenhard has been charged with strangulation, simple assault, indecent assault, harassment and disorderly conduct in that case.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of harassment

Noun

Industry support When Corral’s exit from Movistar Plus was announced last year, there was an outpouring of anger, grief and concern from Spain’s creative community that is rarely afforded to a commissioning executive.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026
The person reading the issue lowered it to reveal a face tense with anger, devilishly exaggerated by his thin black beard and mustache.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of anger

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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 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of persecution

noun

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