hero
23 synonyms and 3 antonyms for hero, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person admired for great courage, noble actions, or outstanding achievement.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use hero
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French heroes, ultimately from Latin hērōs, borrowed from Greek hḗrōs ("demi-god, hero").
Full origin of hero →Frequently asked questions
What does “hero” mean?
The word “hero” means a person admired for great courage, noble actions, or outstanding achievement. In plain terms, someone brave and admirable, or the main character of a story.
How do you pronounce “hero”?
“Hero” is pronounced HEER-roh (/ˈhɪɹ.oʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “hero” in a sentence?
Here is “hero” used in a sentence: “The firefighter who ran back into the burning building was hailed as a hero.”
What is another word for “hero”?
Words with a similar meaning to “hero” include the brave, bully, daredevil, good guy, goodie and Hector.
What is the opposite of “hero”?
The opposite of “hero” — its antonyms — are antihero, coward and villain.
What part of speech is “hero”?
Depending on how it is used, “hero” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “hero” come from?
The word “hero” comes from Latin. From Old French heroes, ultimately from Latin hērōs, borrowed from Greek hḗrōs ("demi-god, hero").
Is “hero” a common word?
“Hero” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between a hero and a role model?
A hero is admired for exceptional courage, noble deeds, or great achievement, often shown in a single dramatic act like saving a life. A role model is someone whose everyday behavior others choose to imitate. Heroes inspire awe; role models guide conduct. A person can be both, but the emphasis differs.
What are the different types of heroes?
The word covers many kinds. A war hero shows courage in battle; an everyday hero, like a firefighter or a bystander who steps in, acts bravely in ordinary life. A superhero has fictional powers, while a tragic hero is a flawed protagonist whose downfall drives a story. All share admiration for their qualities.
What is the opposite of a hero?
It depends on which quality you contrast. A villain is the moral opposite — someone who does harm rather than good. A coward is the opposite in courage, fleeing danger instead of facing it. In storytelling, the antagonist opposes the hero. "Villain" is the most common answer in everyday use.