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 Its origins lie in the real persecution of Urbain Grandier, a priest in 17th-century France accused of bewitching a convent of nuns. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026 His persecution has continued up until now; last month, the administration accused the Smithsonian of discrimination and threatened to cut federal grants. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026 Beginning with the arrival of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, America has been seen as a sanctuary for those fleeing religious persecution. — Matthew Schmitz, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026 That belief is part of why Christians’ faith lived on, despite persecutions and scandals through the centuries. — John Blake, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for persecution

Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecution

Noun

Six Lincoln-Way students accused of racial harassment were ultimately allowed to withdraw from the school game incident, instead of being expelled.

— CBS News, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
The Board of Regents will vote Thursday on changes to the Title IX policy, which governs harassment and discrimination.

— Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of harassment

Noun

We are connected across continents in milliseconds, but too often separated by fear, anger, and mistrust.

— Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
For property owners who poured their life savings into Camelot, the arrival of heavy machinery brings mounting anger over how local authorities handled the complex's long, troubled decline.

— La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of anger

Noun

The cream caused minimal skin irritation, and the drug was detected in the blood of very few participants, according to the company.

— Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
My irritation was not with the charge itself but with how some of the commentaries about it invoked as evidence Vance’s wish to be buried in the country graveyard where generations of his ancestors already rest.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of persecution

noun

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