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.
Objections were also raised over transphobic comments Beckwith reportedly made in private conversation with students. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026 Navigating transphobic rhetoric Significantly, this latter claim is embedded within partial truths. Jenna Norosky, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026 Just a few days before McQueen’s historic nomination, Andrew Holness, the country’s Prime Minister, was condemned by local human rights groups for bookending his 2026 budget presentation with a transphobic diatribe. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2026 The plots are bizarre—and often oddly racist, homophobic, transphobic, or misogynist. Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026 On the surface, telling Night Night Fawn through a character as transphobic, narcissistic, and temperamental as Barbara might seem to give greater weight to the perspectives that shape anti-trans sentiments and legislation. Isle McElroy, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026 Which still doesn’t entirely assuage my guilt when the Atlantic runs yet another transphobic screed. Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026 In 2021, the CBS sequel series Clarice addressed Buffalo Bill's transphobic legacy by introducing a trans character, played by activist Jen Richards, who was forced to reckon with the impact of the serial killer's fame. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026 The show was moved to the Varsity Theater in an apparent reaction to Chappelle's transphobic material featured in Netflix specials that were released at the time. Nick Lentz, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026

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

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Cite this Entry

“Transphobic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transphobic. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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