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 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, 19 Aug. 2026 South African leaders deny that Afrikaners have been subjected to systemic persecution. — Shalina Chatlani, Baltimore Sun, 18 Aug. 2026 Trump has made countering the persecution of Christians in Africa by Islamic terrorists a core focus since his return to the White House. — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for persecution

Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecution

Noun

The suspect, 35-year-old Jorden Perozo, is charged with battery and harassment based on religious or ethnic heritage.

— Abby Dodge, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
He has been charged with second-degree murder, harassment, domestic assault, and tampering with physical evidence, according to court documents.

— Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of harassment

Noun

One of the largest online voice acting communities on Reddit, r/VoiceActing, is full of angst and anger, but few solutions.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
The 849 feels incrementally smoother and more confidence inspiring than its predecessor when driven in anger, thanks to drivetrain and suspension improvements.

— Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of anger

Noun

Another steered people to collagen creams for lifting, which included products for calming irritation and a cream formulated for reducing redness.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Hyaluronic acid can help combat potential irritation and dryness caused by retinol.

— Ellie Davis, Vogue, 28 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of persecution

noun

Example Sentences

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