heroism

noun

ˈher-ə-ˌwi-zəm How to pronounce heroism (audio)
Definition of heroismnext
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

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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 Suddenly the Knicks, who hadn’t won the big title in fifty-three years, can turn on some heretofore unseen mode of heroism, and—bang. — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 June 2026 But there were limits to what the British believed heroism would look like in the face of the enemy. — Literary Hub, 16 June 2026 New York City is awash in a multitude of World Cup 2026 events in all five boroughs, many of them hosted by cultural institutions eager to introduce fans to the history, heroism and passion of the game. — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 10 June 2026 Cited for heroism Three Zion police officers were recently cited for heroism as they were honored as Illinois Law Enforcement Medal of Honor winners. — Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for heroism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heroism
  1. courage
  2. bravery
  3. gallantry
  4. courageousness
  5. prowess
  6. valor
Noun
  • Hair braiding 101 Armed with a glass of cold liquid courage and an arsenal of hair elastics and barrettes, dads paired up with one of Strands Aveda’s stylists to learn their daughter’s hairstyle of choice.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • In Aries, the taskmaster’s lessons are centered around independence, initiative and the courage to take the lead.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of courage
Noun
  • The red, white and blue represent bravery, purity and loyalty, respectively.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
  • Two other female characters who grabbed viewers’ attention, eventually becoming symbols of bravery, transformation, and strength are Arya and Sansa—and yes those names became wildly popular among new parents, too.
    — Parents, Parents, 31 July 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
  • That mix of stubbornness and courageousness is what endeared Snider to fans and peers alike.
    — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2025
Definition of courageousness
Noun
  • Trump has spoken repeatedly of his prowess with green lawns since returning to the White House — at some events even spending more time talking about it than the war in Iran, the economy or November's midterm elections.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Trump has spoken repeatedly of his prowess with green lawns since returning to the White House — at some events even spending more time talking about it than the war in Iran, the economy or November’s midterm elections.
    — Will Weissert, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of prowess
Noun
  • In 2001, Graves received a medal of valor after shooting a suspect who had lunged at another officer, took his gun and pointed it at her, according to past reporting from The Star.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
  • The Greco-Roman ideal of masculinity was anchored in martial valor.
    — Elizabeth Dray, STAT, 21 July 2026
Definition of valor

Browse Nearby Words

heroinisms
heroism
heroize
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Cite this Entry

“Heroism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heroism. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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