Find Synonyms

persecute Synonyms

Another word for persecute

Choosing another word for persecute depends on context, so the 17 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To subject someone to hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of their ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs.

Usage Example

"Throughout history, authoritarian regimes have sought to oppress religious minorities and political dissidents."

Strongest
oppress
Strong
tyrannize
victimize
mistreat
maltreat
ill-treat
subjugate
abuse
torment

• verb (Context 2)

To harass or annoy someone persistently.

Usage Example

"The celebrity complained that aggressive photographers continued to harass her family outside their home."

Strongest
harass
hound
Strong
pester
badger
plague
bedevil
bother
annoy

Opposites of persecute

The opposite of persecute shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

protect
shelter
soothe
defend
comfort
support
tolerate
appease
See all opposites of persecute

• Nearby Words

perplexity
perrier
perry
persecute
persecution
persecutor
perseverance

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Persecute. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/persecute
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