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Showing results for persecuted. Search instead for perselyez.
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

“This was a man who was persecuted very unfairly. He was the head of the country.”

From Slate • Jan. 5, 2026

If it hadn’t been for Bruno, Copernicanism might never have received such adverse attention from the authorities, Galileo might not have been persecuted and scientific progress in Italy might have proceeded more smoothly.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin