HEROISM Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

heroism

noun

ˈher-ə-ˌwi-zəm

Definition of heroism

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

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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 Through much of the novel, Fee will attempt to make his own story one of such comic-book heroism, to take on the mantle of savior. — Garth Greenwell, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2026 There are moments when bravery and heroism might be required. — James Davis, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026 And, for Arnold Roma, in the fight to keep Keith’s heroism alive. — Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026 Today, Crowther's story of heroism is told to children across the country to help teach them about the terror attacks. — Miles J. Herszenhorn, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heroism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for heroism

Noun

As their connection grows, each of them helps give the other the courage to step outside their comfort zones and find new joy — and possibly love — in unexpected ways.

— Rachel LaBonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026
Sir Patrick Stewart's most famous characters tackled concepts such as honor, morality and courage.

— Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of courage

Noun

But a rally outside Wednesday's meet — where the boy finished second among a field of 25 to help lead Camas to the girls district championship — showed that the adults are catching up in the bravery department.

— Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
As possibly the most thrilling option in the entire park, the free-fall station tests visitors’ bravery.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of bravery

Noun

In World Cup lore, however, his gallantry is doomed to be overshadowed by that of his fellow-goalkeeper from Cabo Verde, Vozinha, who had already produced an uncanny impersonation of a brick wall on the fourth day of the tournament.

— Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
In all of these cases, the effect is largely the same—forging intimacy through some level of generosity or gallantry, coupled with pure, physical proximity—and in 2026, all of them are still technically possible.

— Sara Delgado, Vogue, 9 July 2026

Definition of gallantry

Noun

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth flew aboard the Lincoln Wednesday to award the carrier strike group the Presidential Unit Citation, the military’s highest honor for a unit’s valor in combat.

— Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 8 Oct. 2026
As night fell that day, Secret Service agents across the nation continued to respond with valor and courage.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of valor

Browse Nearby Words

heroinisms

heroism

heroize

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“Heroism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heroism. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of heroism

noun

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