heroic

adjective

hi-ˈrō-ik
variants also heroical
Definition of heroicnext
1
as in courageous
feeling or displaying no fear by temperament a memorial honoring the heroic nurses who served in the war

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in epic
large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception an opera production of heroic proportions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in tremendous
unusually large a heroic statue of Alexander the Great astride his horse

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 heroic The heroic manager has since been identified as Luis Cruz, according to Fox affiliate WJW, Tribuna Noticias and El Heraldo de México. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2026 The public perception of the war correspondent has certainly shifted from the positive — at times, heroic — way in which Grossman was viewed by many in his time. — Nick Holdstock, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026 At that December 2001 convening, one rescue worker said that while individuals can do heroic things, what New York saw after 9/11 was only possible because people came together for a common goal. — Brendan Griffith, New York Daily News, 7 Sep. 2026 Other than that, the most substantial changes are to Lucie Manette (Mirren Mack), the female lead, in order to give her a more active, heroic role in the story, this being 2026. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heroic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heroic
  1. courageous
  2. epic
  3. tremendous
  4. valiant
  5. glorious
  6. huge
  7. brave
  8. magnificent
Adjective
  • Fine publicly praised his wife following her testimony, describing her as strong and courageous in a statement read outside the courthouse by attorney Douglas Wigdor.
    — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Why Jaissle and ‘vertical, attacking football’ If bringing in eight players under 24 was courageous, opting for a 38-year-old head coach who had never managed in Europe’s top-five leagues was extremely bold.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of courageous
Adjective
  • On Day 9, a big move at the top of the women’s game, two epic men’s matches and some surprising doubles drama.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • But Khrzhanovsky’s original idea, for an epic biopic on the life of Landau, never completely disappeared though.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of epic
Adjective
  • Decker had tremendous success at Old Dominion last season, and his quarterback Colton Joseph, now at Wisconsin, was the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year.
    — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Her tremendous decision not to share every notification, though unseen by her children, quietly demonstrated her ability to move forward without asking permission from the past.
    — Dr. Victor Fornari, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of tremendous
Adjective
  • Which puts a spotlight on the embarrassing disorder of Expo Park itself (despite valiant efforts from its current leadership, including a parking lot soon to be turned into a park near BMO Stadium).
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Tong’s valiant charge promises to yield returns in the longer term, but CT leadership must do more now to restore Connecticut’s reputation and status as a haven for all families.
    — Dr. SJ Job, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of valiant
Adjective
  • In their new home, the past clings to Everton; restless, a bad joke, craving more, loud, glorious.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • This is The Fantasticks, known and adored across the globe, in a Broadway premiere that brings glorious new life to the beloved classic.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of glorious
Adjective
  • The cast’s Blackness is a huge part of this — signifying is in their blood — but the impact spread across the whole franchise.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
  • That was a play with huge ramifications that, to some extent, still sticks with Williams.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of huge
Adjective
  • New England Patriots guard Joe Andruzzi had three brothers, all New York City firefighters, who — like so many of their brave counterparts — rushed to the World Trade Center in an attempt to save lives after the towers were struck.
    — Michael Silver, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Combined with a brutal noon start time that provided no shade or relief throughout the game, the conditions meant there weren’t many fans brave enough, or quite frankly dumb enough, to endure a heat index of roughly 105 degrees.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of brave
Adjective
  • As Katia Schörle, one of the experts featured in the film, explains, wild animals embodied a world that was both magnificent and terrifying.
    — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Drawing on the rich architectural heritage here, magnificent historic properties have been turned into elegant boutique hotels, not only in the capital but also in tranquil villages across the island.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of magnificent

Browse Nearby Words

heroes
heroic
heroically
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Cite this Entry

“Heroic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heroic. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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