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 My journey—from a Jewish refugee fleeing ethnic persecution in Belarus to the CEO of a nursing education group—has been anything but linear. — Mikhail Shneyder, Forbes.com, 2 July 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 Many Quakers eventually left England for America to escape religious persecution. — Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 3 July 2026 The scope of persecution eligible for asylum is generally limited to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for persecution

Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecution

Noun

While the felony complaint focused on threats made to Demuth, the State Patrol also sought harassment restraining orders on behalf of Demuth and Anderson.

— Lauren Breunig, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026
But more than half could picture quitting due to security concerns, and almost half accepted the possibility that harassment or hate speech could send them packing.

— Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 8 July 2026

Definition of harassment

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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“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecution. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of persecution

noun

Example Sentences

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