persecution

noun

Definition of persecutionnext
as in harassment
something that causes mental distress The media's constant persecution was beginning to affect their lives.

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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 persecution Anne Frank and her family went into hiding in Amsterdam to escape persecution by the Nazis. — USA Today, 24 June 2026 More than 900 Jewish refugees attempted to flee persecution in Nazi Germany by setting sail aboard the ship, which was turned away from Cuba and the United States. — Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026 Despite escalating attacks and historical persecution, Ukrainian morale remains high, with diverse religious communities unified in resilient solidarity. — Mark Temnycky, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 People with disabilities, students getting to school, women seeking reproductive healthcare, LGBTQ+ residents fleeing persecution and domestic violence survivors are just some of the hundreds of thousands who currently depend on this station. — Lena Guerrero Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for persecution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecution
  1. harassment
  2. anger
  3. irritation
Noun
  • Court paperwork shows Deshong is facing charges of harassment, indecent assault and stalking.
    — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • He has been accused by more than 80 women of misconduct, ranging from harassment to rape, over decades and in multiple jurisdictions around the world.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of harassment
Noun
  • Winters prioritized strategic logic over acknowledging the profound emotional impact on his workforce, fostering fear and anger.
    — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Thousands of demonstrators massed across South African cities, venting anger at undocumented foreign nationals.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 1 July 2026
Definition of anger
Noun
  • The ribbed fabric is constructed with minimal seams to keep your skin comfortable and irritation-free in humid weather.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 6 July 2026
  • Though more popular for your skin, when applied to your scalp and strands, the ingredient sloughs off buildup, soothes irritation, reduces dandruff, and controls oil production.
    — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Definition of irritation

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persecuting
persecution
persecutions
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Cite this Entry

“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecution. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on persecution

Nglish: Translation of persecution for Spanish Speakers

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