antihero

[an-tee-heer-oh, an-tahy-] / ˈæn tiˌhɪər oʊ, ˈæn taɪ- /

NOUN

villain

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bad guy baddie baddy criminal devil scoundrel sinner

STRONG

blackguard brute caitiff creep evildoer heavy heel libertine lowlife malefactor mischief-maker miscreant offender rapscallion rascal reprobate wretch

WEAK

enfant terrible

Antonyms

WEAK

hero heroine

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The book is powered, however, by its vividly drawn antihero.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

Just how my favorite new antihero will deal with her disdain for the Others is yet to be seen.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 24, 2025

But now, a couple of months since leaving LIV, the 70-year-old Norman sees himself as golf’s antihero.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

Mia, Lyle says, is a bit of an antihero and woman on the edge.

From BBC • Oct. 19, 2025

He makes Chishiya an antihero without concern, even when the stakes could mean his death.

From Salon • Dec. 31, 2022