as in harassments
something that causes mental distress
The media's constant persecution was beginning to affect their lives.
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Recent Examples of persecutions
The international film community—including the Cannes, Berlin, and Venice festivals and the American Cinematheque—spoke out against these persecutions.
—
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
But despite the persecutions, the underground is showing no sign of being silenced.
—Anna Nemtsova, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2025
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
But despite the persecutions, the underground is showing no sign of being silenced.
—Anna Nemtsova, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecutions
Noun
-
The everyday realities of life under the occupation, including the hassles and harassments of bureaucratic delays and security checkpoints, can suddenly become matters of life and death.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The quietness of the landscape and the absence of distractions or irritations is an instant balm.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Unexpected symptoms include inflammation that can cause acne, eczema, or skin irritations, fatigue, brain fog, or strong sugar cravings.—
Mélanie Nauche,
Vogue,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Persecutions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecutions. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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