transphobic

adjective

trans·​pho·​bic ˌtran(t)s-ˈfō-​bik How to pronounce transphobic (audio)
ˌtranz-
: having or showing discrimination against, aversion to, or fear of transgender people
If you go out of your way to intentionally misgender someone, however, that is transphobic.Catherine Caruso

Examples of transphobic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gervais, who chose not to show up tonight, has drawn backlash in the past for transphobic jokes in his stand-up routines. Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026 Gervais' past material was labeled as transphobic — particularly in his 2022 special SuperNature. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026 Gervais has made transphobic jokes in specials and transphobic comments online. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2026 As for the transphobic posts, Gretchen allegedly liked a post mocking trans influencer and activist Dylan Mulvaney, a few which are posted by extreme right-winger Matt Walsh. Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 21 Nov. 2025 In 2019, Rowling followed the transphobic YouTuber Magdalen Berns; people noticed. Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Nov. 2025 In our coldly transphobic present, Clean Slate feels like a warm cup of matcha. Michael Cuby, Them., 17 Nov. 2025 His opponent, Jim McMullen, previously served as board vice president but was removed in 2022 after a series of social media posts that many deemed anti-LGBTQ — specifically, transphobic. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2025 He has been criticized for making unscientific and misleading statements, including COVID-19 misinformation and promoting conspiracy theories, and affirming antisemitic, racist, and transphobic comments. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 28 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

trans- + -phobic, after transphobia

First Known Use

1993, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of transphobic was in 1993

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Transphobic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transphobic. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.

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