social justice warrior

noun

variants or less commonly Social Justice Warrior
plural social justice warriors also Social Justice Warriors
often disparaging
: a person who enthusiastically promotes politically liberal or progressive ideals (especially the advancement of racial, gender, and social equality) to a degree that is typically considered unreasonable or extreme
According to her Instagram page, she is a rights activist, social justice warrior and human rights advocate.Joe Hutchison
One common pejorative on the right is to deride "social justice warriors," people whom they view as performatively interested in issues of equality.Philip Bump
Just remember, beneath the gilded exterior of a social justice warrior, there may lie a social justice crybaby.Nate Berg

called also SJW

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of social justice warrior was in 1945

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Cite this Entry

“Social justice warrior.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20justice%20warrior. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Entry added
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