PERSECUTORY Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

persecutory

adjective

as in frightening

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Example Sentences

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 persecutory For example, Americans living during World War II developed persecutory delusions involving Germans, while those living during the Cold War focused on communists. — Alaina Vandervoort Burns, The Conversation, 17 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecutory

Adjective

The subjects bring insightful detail of frightening practices, and the filmmaking helps to underline the thematic commentary of the disconnect between levels of humanity.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026
Como are playing some slick football under Cesc Fabregas, and while 21-year-old Nico Paz is still the shining star at the heart of every attack, Baturina has also clicked into a frightening gear.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of frightening

Adjective

The first complaint, in which a clerk made similar accusations of abusive and harassing conduct, was filed with the circuit court in 2022, not long after Merriam’s appointment.

— Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 1 Jan. 2026
The line is crossed when someone’s conduct at work becomes disrespectful, harassing, intimidating, discriminatory, or disruptive to the team.

— Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025

Definition of harassing

Adjective

This lack of awareness was on show in 2025, when, fearful of a trade war, Brussels squandered its own leverage and signed off on a lopsided framework with Washington.

— JONAS NAHM, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2026
The production’s creative team, led by the inexhaustibly inventive director José Luis Valenzuela, returns us to a world where the dead are owed sacred duties and the living are fearful to renege on this basic human responsibility.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of fearful

Adjective

He’s crafted a propulsive, simultaneously terrifying and hilarious thrill ride that showcases both his cinematic chops and perverse sense of humor.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
Compounding fears was a terrifying warning from a former AI executive last week that AI could end civilization within a decade and the tech companies aren’t doing enough about it.

— S.E. Cupp, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of terrifying

Adjective

Kuş is a firecracker of a performer, adding lively dimensions to the chilling atmosphere when things go bump in the night, and Connie begins hearing strange, unsettling sounds through her hearing aid.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
The younger Lansky recalled a chilling incident from his childhood, when his grandfather's notoriety and perceived wealth nearly led to his kidnapping.

— Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of chilling

Adjective

The clubhouse was somewhat somber Friday afternoon, with players still feeling shaken up after witnessing one of the scariest collisions many had ever seen on a baseball field.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026
In Mexico, Yamel’s mother tells scary folktales to caution her against real-life dangers.

— Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of scary

Adjective

Much has been written about the power of artificial intelligence to improve life in myriad ways, but also about its truly horrible effects—now and going forward—if it isn’t managed properly.

— Nadine Hack, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
But the horrible scenes that unfolded before him were incomparable.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of horrible

Browse Nearby Words

persecutors

persecutory

perseverance

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“Persecutory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecutory. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of persecutory

adjective

Example Sentences

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