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

Alma David, the U.S. attorney working with Fru, said their clients had demonstrated to a U.S. immigration court that they faced a greater-than-50% chance of being persecuted back home.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 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

Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must—at that moment—become the center of the universe.

From "Night" by Elie Wiesel

persecuted

Example Sentences

Related Words