as in courage
strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger
the inspiring heroism of the firefighters who risked their lives to save the people trapped in the burning building
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 heroism
The interview wasn’t terribly insightful — the host seemed more interested in congratulating Panahi for being a hero than in exploring the context for that heroism.
—
Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Mar. 2026
As Stanford psychology professor Phil Zimbardo put it, heroism involves taking a personal risk for the common good.
—Catherine A. Sanderson, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2026
The Arlington Heights police chief said seen people, including five officers, a sergeant and a police commander, will be awarded a medal of valor for their heroism in getting this couple out safely at the village hall meeting on March 16.
—Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
John Chapman, who received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroism saving lives during the March 4, 2002, Battle of Takur Ghar in Afghanistan.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heroism
Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Mar. 2026
As Stanford psychology professor Phil Zimbardo put it, heroism involves taking a personal risk for the common good.
—Catherine A. Sanderson, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2026
The Arlington Heights police chief said seen people, including five officers, a sergeant and a police commander, will be awarded a medal of valor for their heroism in getting this couple out safely at the village hall meeting on March 16.
—Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
John Chapman, who received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroism saving lives during the March 4, 2002, Battle of Takur Ghar in Afghanistan.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heroism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heroism
Noun
-
This is a chance to rewrite an old memory with compassion and quiet courage.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The director, who wanted to tell an epic adventure where emotional courage was as powerful as magic, crafted this tale about identity, sisterhood and belonging, aimed at family audiences with strong crossover appeal for epic fantasy audiences, with strong female leads.—
Kevin Giraud,
Variety,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Family friends say the crash not only left the community heartbroken but also revealed an extraordinary act of bravery by one of the surviving children.—
Steve Large,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Mamdani thanked both men for their bravery after also recognizing them in a private meeting.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There’s a quixotic gallantry to appealing to a saner conservative and looking ahead to a post-Trump American politics.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Queen Elizabeth later awarded Beaton the George's Cross, Britain’s highest civilian award for gallantry, for his role in saving her daughter’s life, and bestowed honors on Callender, as well as the other policemen and onlookers who intervened.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
That mix of stubbornness and courageousness is what endeared Snider to fans and peers alike.—
Joseph Hudak,
Rolling Stone,
15 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The characters in his orbit are quite strong in their own right, but here, as in The Office, Carell’s unflagging comedy prowess provides the energy that powers the narrative into full-on hilarity.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Tech crucial to China’s future Analysts believe technological prowess remains the far more important goal for Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his vision to build the nation into a major power that can contend with the United States on issues ranging from trade to Taiwan tensions.—
Ken Moritsugu,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Arlington Heights police chief said seen people, including five officers, a sergeant and a police commander, will be awarded a medal of valor for their heroism in getting this couple out safely at the village hall meeting on March 16.—
Asal Rezaei,
CBS News,
26 Feb. 2026
-
But the deeds of one warrior that night will live forever in the eternal chronicles of military valor.—
TIME Staff,
Time,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heroism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heroism. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
