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
As chronicled through the film, Lee’s followers began to see her as a female messiah while others marked her for persecution.
—
Andrew McGowan, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026
Schloss' stepsister Anne and the Frank family hid in a secret annex in Amsterdam for two years during World War II to evade Nazi persecution for their Jewish faith.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
After years of fear, instability and political persecution, many see a path toward safety and stability in South Florida.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
South African journalist and chronicler of persecution Ruth Weiss died on September 5 at the age of 101.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Andrew McGowan, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026
Schloss' stepsister Anne and the Frank family hid in a secret annex in Amsterdam for two years during World War II to evade Nazi persecution for their Jewish faith.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
After years of fear, instability and political persecution, many see a path toward safety and stability in South Florida.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
South African journalist and chronicler of persecution Ruth Weiss died on September 5 at the age of 101.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecution
Noun
-
Zabik is facing two counts of inciting destruction of life or property, menacing, and harassment.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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And Kelly keeps cashing in, converting Hegseth’s harassment into campaign donations.—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Did the man go too far, or was his anger justified?—
Kristie Keleshian,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
As Blacc hinted at, there is more than a little anger to go around about what happened before, during and since the fires, along with the sorrow and thousand other emotions.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Just avoid placing them directly against bare skin for extended periods to prevent irritation or burns.—
Ashlea Halpern,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2026
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Rarely, salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecution. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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