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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
  1. frightening
  2. harassing
  3. fearful
  4. terrifying
  5. chilling
  6. scary
  7. alarming
  8. horrible
Adjective
  • Then, several months later, her health took another frightening turn.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
  • These job changes seem frightening because past tech revolutions have shut people out.
    — Pat Gelsinger, Fortune, 19 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
  • And some musicians and songwriters are fearful of how these AI deals might affect livelihoods.
    — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The investigation into Toro follows a complaint from Bigelow that alleges the workplace culture under Toro’s leadership is characterized as oppressive, bullying and fearful, according to the complaint.
    — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 20 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
  • Even before the latest batch of alarming AI news, a lot of Americans were souring on AI.
    — Adam Clark Estes, Vox, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Sunrises are getting later, and sunsets are getting earlier at an alarming rate right now.
    — Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of alarming
Adjective
  • Doubs had a horrible debut in the league’s season opener last week against the Seattle Seahawks.
    — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • By the time of the horrible accident in 1829, the deodand was on its way out.
    — Amelia Soth, JSTOR Daily, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of horrible

Browse Nearby Words

persecutors
persecutory
perseverance
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Cite this Entry

“Persecutory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecutory. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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