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 Two of them are journalists at the Dong-sung Daily, who mount a heroic stand against government forces at a time of severe censorship. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026 Fictional princes fill pop culture, from heroic leaders in science fiction empires to charming ones in modern takes on classic fairy tales. — Sarah Scott, Parents, 17 Sep. 2026 Mitch Holthus absolutely losing his mind as Patrick Mahomes opens 2026 with a heroic 15-yard TD run. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026 Peck walked away with a new appreciation of the range of his grandfather, who was best known for playing heroic and morally upright roles in films such as To Kill a Mockingbird, Cape Fear and The Omen. — Scott Huver, PEOPLE, 15 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
  • Now in its fifth year, the Albies is the Clooney Foundation’s annual ceremony, which shines an international spotlight on courageous individuals who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of justice, often at great personal risk.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2026
  • At the same time, sympathetic observers feed the need of protesters to feel relevant by praising participants for being bold, courageous, uncompromising and willing to endure abuse and hostility.
    — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of courageous
Adjective
  • So the fact that Zoe Kazan’s East of Eden is his first job since a notable 2024 that included Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers and Jeff Nichols’ The Bikeriders suggests the epic family drama holds particular meaning for him.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The tour kicks off April 6 at Nashville’s Pinnacle and includes some epic stops at New York’s Radio City Music Hall and Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of epic
Adjective
  • Both execs are well-liked and respected, and both boast tremendous domains, consisting of both studios and networks.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Diamonds are crystallized under tremendous pressure and heat deep inside the Earth and then thrust to the surface through volcanic activity before they’re scattered by water or wind.
    — LAURA TURBAY, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of tremendous
Adjective
  • The Florida Panthers were able to mount a valiant comeback in San Jose, rallying from three goals down in the second period and scoring two in the third before ultimately falling in overtime.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Despite a valiant effort on the water, that milestone failed to normalize a more ever-present female presence at the Cup for almost three decades.
    — Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of valiant
Adjective
  • With a sky-skimming infinity pool, the longest in Palma, that brings the Balearic sea right up to the feet of the Balinese sunbeds, El Llorenç’s rooftop is glorious.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Somewhere in the heavens, these beloved instruments have formed a glorious orchestra—a cosmic symphony where every lost voice is restored.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of glorious
Adjective
  • Thorton had the first two-touchdown game of his career and made the huge catch to set up the go-ahead touchdown before the injury.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026
  • This deprived the treasurers of huge assets that otherwise could have been invested to generate billions of dollars for the pensions — a gap present-day taxpayers must fill.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of huge
Adjective
  • One brave Washingtonian has already embarked on a quest to taste and rate them all.
    — Matt Brooks, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The fact that our law enforcement family lost four brave men that day should highlight that this is not a victimless crime.
    — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of brave
Adjective
  • Lee, meanwhile, is magnificent in a role requiring similar kindness, only laced with loneliness and loss.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Ingela and Marcus run Skärgårdsidyllen Kayak & Outdoor activities in the magnificent archipelago of Grönemad, Grebbestad.
    — Natasha Langan, TheWeek, 29 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 7 Oct. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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