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 In December, the tribunal issued its final judgment in The Hague—a symbolic choice given the city’s role as a center of international justice—upholding the charge of gender persecution. — Rina Amiri, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026 For advocates who work with LGBTQ+ immigrants, the couple’s detention reflects broader concerns about how immigration enforcement affects a population that has often fled persecution because of their identity. — Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 But Stephanie Nelson said the case was about accountability, not persecution. — Sara-James Ranta, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026 The beloved spice blend was invented in 1940 by Gustav Brunn, a German Jewish refugee who fled Nazi persecution and landed in Baltimore. — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for persecution

Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecution

Noun

All 10 members of the court voted to extend the application of the Maria da Penha law for situations such as persecution, threats and harassment outside the home.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
The turmoil contributed to the early retirement of longtime Registrar of Voters Cathy Darling Allen, who said years of harassment, threats and accusations stemming from false election-fraud allegations took a personal toll.

— Drew Askeland, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of harassment

Noun

Their frustrations have ranged from anger over the tax incentives offered to certain projects to NIMBY-esque aesthetic concerns about acres upon acres of solar panels.

— Kristi Swartz, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
This recent incident has caused a great deal of anger and frustration among the Taiwanese artistic community and general public as news has circulated online widely this week.

— Vivienne Chow, ARTnews.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of anger

Noun

Symptoms include eye pain, a sensation of something being stuck in the eye, watering, light sensitivity, redness, irritation and blurred or clouded vision.

— Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 2026
Each spray of Activation Ease provides 22 milligrams of magnesium and absorbs in less than 90 seconds, the outlet reported, and the lower dose may help prevent skin irritation after use.

— Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of irritation

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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 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of persecution

noun

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