transnational

adjective

trans·​na·​tion·​al (ˌ)tran(t)s-ˈna-sh(ə-)nəl 

(ˌ)tranz-

: extending or going beyond national boundaries

transnational corporations

transnationalism

(ˌ)tran(t)s-ˈna-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm 

(ˌ)tranz-

noun

Synonyms of transnational

• international

Examples of transnational in a Sentence

climate change is a transnational problem that requires a transnational solution

Recent Examples on the Web

Beyond the country's borders, Los Choneros has forged ties with powerful transnational networks, including Mexico's Sinaloa cartel and criminal groups from Albania, enabling it to play a role in global drug trafficking routes. —James Laporta, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026

Boko Haram is more locally rooted, identifying with Nigeria’s pre-colonial history, and ISWAP is more transnational. —Obi Anyadike, semafor.com, 23 Mar. 2026

Border Patrol can be limited to the border, and Homeland Security Investigations can be retargeted toward their traditional function of sophisticated transnational commercial crimes. —Paul Rosenzweig, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026

First, the persistence of ungoverned or contested spaces along the Pakistan-Afghan border risks creating an enabling environment for transnational militant groups. —Rabia Akhtar, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for transnational

• binational
• irrational
• subnational
• international
• multinational
• supranational
• national
• rational