as in afraid
of, relating to, or having an extremely strong fear or dislike of someone or something
She is phobic about heights.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of phobic
At a time when many filmmakers are paranoically spoiler-phobic, director Daniel Goldhaber doesn’t mind if audiences know the outcome of his new movie going in.
—
Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2023
According To Your Zodiac Sign Nevertheless, because Gemini is so mutable (and, uh, commitment-phobic) this pair might have some trouble locking down the relationship.
—Women's Health, 14 Mar. 2023
Ashton Kutcher plays Peter, a commitment-phobic New York business guru who’d rather be a novelist.
—Noel Murray, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2023
Paulie wore tracksuits, slept with hookers, was phobic about germs, hated cats and watched television in a chair covered with plastic.
—Anita Gates, BostonGlobe.com, 9 July 2022
See all Example Sentences for phobic 
Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2023
According To Your Zodiac Sign Nevertheless, because Gemini is so mutable (and, uh, commitment-phobic) this pair might have some trouble locking down the relationship.
—Women's Health, 14 Mar. 2023
Ashton Kutcher plays Peter, a commitment-phobic New York business guru who’d rather be a novelist.
—Noel Murray, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2023
Paulie wore tracksuits, slept with hookers, was phobic about germs, hated cats and watched television in a chair covered with plastic.
—Anita Gates, BostonGlobe.com, 9 July 2022
See all Example Sentences for phobic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phobic
Adjective
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Their jewelry speaks to women who aren’t afraid to express their individuality.—
Sandra Salibian,
WWD,
17 Feb. 2025
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Moving safely from the clouds to this perch required a steep angle, a dexterous pilot, and passengers more afraid of missing the film festival than of death upon impact.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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For the past month, California resident Adriana, who asked to be identified by only her first name for privacy reasons, has been delivering food to families too scared to leave their homes.—
Kiara Alfonseca,
ABC News,
8 Feb. 2025
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Ever since Donald Trump won the presidential election last November, kids around the country have been scared about what his promise of mass deportations might mean for them and their classmates.—
Vox Staff,
Vox,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Extending safety Kyle Hamilton is likely a top priority for the Ravens' front office, but Hamilton isn't too worried about his contract.—
Brian Wacker,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Feb. 2025
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That’s a lot of CO2, something airlines are increasingly worried about.—
Jackie Snow,
Quartz,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Trump could instead lead with Vice President JD Vance’s promise: Boost the Child Tax Credit to $5,000 per child for young families, a progressive idea submitted by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) last week in a timid insurgency by Republican moderates who prefer to lift middling Americans.—
Bruce Fuller,
Baltimore Sun,
6 Feb. 2025
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Thus far this season, Sheppard, averaging 11.6 minutes per game, has struggled to get acclimated, often appearing timid and indecisive with the basketball.—
Rahat Huq,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near phobic
Cite this Entry
“Phobic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phobic. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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