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Definitions

persecuted

[pur-si-kyoo-tid] / ˈpɜr sɪˌkyu tɪd /
ADJECTIVE
aggrieved
Synonyms
STRONGEST
disturbed grieving oppressed wronged
STRONG
afflicted depressed harmed hurt injured pained peeved saddened
WEAK
unhappy woeful
Antonyms
STRONG
comforted
WEAK
happy pleased
ADJECTIVE
downtrodden
Synonyms
STRONGEST
destitute distressed exploited needy oppressed
WEAK
a slave to abject at one's beck and call at one's feet at one's mercy have-not helpless in one's clutches in one's pocket in one's power led by the nose maltreated mistreated overcome subjugated subservient suppressed tyrannized under one's thumb underdog underfoot
Antonyms
STRONGEST
rich wealthy
WEAK
happy respected satisfied
ADJECTIVE
oppressed
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abused destitute distressed enslaved exploited helpless
STRONG
burdened maltreated mistreated suppressed tormented tyrannized
WEAK
a slave to abject at one's feet at one's mercy have-not subservient under one's thumb underfoot

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some had been granted the opportunity to stay after proving to immigration judges that they would probably be persecuted if returned to their homeland.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

Her new collection pays tribute to women persecuted during historical witch hunts.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

She suggests arguing that Epstein was being persecuted due to his "wealth".

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

Unlike my recent trips there this one wasn’t interrupted by mass demonstrations on behalf of persecuted Muslims.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

There is no record of Democritus having been persecuted for his opinions—but then, he came from Abdera.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan