phobic

adjective

Definition of phobicnext
as in afraid
of, relating to, or having an extremely strong fear or dislike of someone or something She is phobic about heights.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of phobic The much larger group of people who feel uneasy on a ladder, or who prefer not to stand near the edge of a cliff, are not phobic. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 4 May 2026 The emails included instructions for editing email signatures to assist tech-phobic workers. — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2025 The author has become controversial due to what her critics describe as phobic and abusive anti-transgender views. — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 20 Jan. 2025 Reshaping ion solvation The researchers used a parasitic salt-phobic polymer network in their electrolyte design, which selectively repels lithium ions while attracting solvent molecules. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for phobic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phobic
  1. afraid
  2. scared
  3. terrified
  4. worried
  5. timid
Adjective
  • The ruling leaves trans student-athletes and their advocates feeling angry and afraid.
    — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 1 July 2026
  • Pregnant mothers are afraid of their babies not being able to have a home.
    — Dennis Valera, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Definition of afraid
Adjective
  • On Saturday, July 4, the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department rescued a dog that had fallen into a well after running away scared from the sound of fireworks.
    — Emily Harter, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026
  • Playing happily one second, and too scared to be alone the next.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Definition of scared
Adjective
  • Outrage continues to grow after a drone was reported stalking a terrified wild mustang on North Carolina’s northern Outer Banks.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026
  • Campbell found the minister on the ground, terrified and in pain.
    — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026
Definition of terrified
Adjective
  • The city is recommending zoning regulations that fall in line with state statute while trying to calm residents who are worried data centers will overwhelm resources like water and energy and impose on their quality of life.
    — Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
  • Hollywood insider Rob Shuter is reporting that guests to the wedding are worried about the itinerary and the scale of the celebration.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 2 July 2026
Definition of worried
Adjective
  • But where the Baron is timid and bumbling, Krasznahorkai is expansive, charming, and courtly.
    — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 28 June 2026
  • Playing Mary Bennet — Elizabeth’s younger and more timid sister — Bruccoleri set out to portray the coming of age story of a Regency woman.
    — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 25 June 2026
Definition of timid

Browse Nearby Words

phobias
phobic
phone
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Cite this Entry

“Phobic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phobic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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