antihero

noun

an·​ti·​he·​ro ˈan-tē-ˌhē-(ˌ)rō  ˈan-ˌtī- 

-ˌhir-(ˌ)ō

plural antiheroes

: a protagonist or notable figure who is conspicuously lacking in heroic qualities

antiheroic

ˌan-tē-hi-ˈrō-ik, 

ˌan-ˌtī- 

adjective

Examples of antihero in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Wolverine’s clash with Magneto, the perennial antihero, left him severely injured, physically and mentally. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

In the wake of the original trilogy, Raimi and Campbell became horror movie luminaries and Campbell’s chainsaw-wielding and boomstick slinging Ash Williams transformed into an antihero icon. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Skeptics argue Kara comes across less like Supergirl and more like a cosmic antihero, while others question the trailer’s tone, vocal performance, and reliance on familiar visual beats. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 29 June 2026

Sorry …) herself as one of the season’s great antiheroes. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 22 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for antihero

• superhero
• biro
• spiro
• zero
• subzero