hero

[heer-oh] / ˈhɪər oʊ /

NOUN

person noted for acts of courage or good

Synonyms

STRONG

champion conquering hero conqueror knight paladin person of the hour protector savior victor warrior white knight winner

Antonyms

STRONG

coward cur loser

NOUN

role model or idol

Synonyms

STRONGEST

eidolon example exemplar good example icon ideal idol model paragon person to look up to role model shining example

NOUN

principal character in story or drama

Synonyms

STRONGEST

lead lead character lead role leading character leading role main character principal character protagonist

STRONG

star

Antonyms

STRONGEST

antihero villain

STRONG

heavy

NOUN

godlike being

Synonyms

STRONGEST

deity demigod demigoddess divinity god goddess immortal superhero

NOUN

submarine sandwich

Synonyms

STRONG

grinder hoagy sub submarine torpedo

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.

A true one-club hero, a worthy number one on this list.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

It would take Close 15 years to emulate her hero by winning a title.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

“I think American society is particularly in love with this idea of the hero story,” Fixson says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Suleimani was powerful and viewed as a national hero in Iran, and his mythical status grew even more in death.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

And I’m happy that you’re really your hero, because I always knew you were.

From "Nim’s Island" by Wendy Orr