heroic
11 synonyms and 1 antonym for heroic, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Showing great courage, self-sacrifice, or exceptional bravery.
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 heroic
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a heroic effort
heroic deeds
heroic scale
Etymology
From Latin hērōicus, itself from Greek hērōïkós — built from hero plus the adjective ending "-ic."
Full origin of heroic →Frequently asked questions
What does “heroic” mean?
The word “heroic” means showing great courage, self-sacrifice, or exceptional bravery. In plain terms, displaying the bravery or grandeur of a hero.
How do you pronounce “heroic”?
“Heroic” is pronounced hih-ROH-ihk (/hɪˈɹoʊ.ɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “heroic” in a sentence?
Here is “heroic” used in a sentence: “Her heroic rescue of the drowning child made the front page.”
What is another word for “heroic”?
Words with a similar meaning to “heroic” include herolike.
What is the opposite of “heroic”?
The opposite of “heroic” — its antonyms — is cowardly.
What part of speech is “heroic”?
“Heroic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “heroic” come from?
The word “heroic” comes from Latin. From Latin hērōicus, itself from Greek hērōïkós — built from hero plus the adjective ending "-ic.".
Is “heroic” a common word?
“Heroic” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between heroic and brave?
Brave describes anyone who shows courage in the face of fear or danger, even in small everyday situations. Heroic is generally reserved for actions showing great courage, self-sacrifice, or exceptional bravery, often on a larger or more dramatic scale.
Can heroic describe something other than a brave action?
Yes, heroic can also describe something larger or grander than everyday life, especially in scale or ambition, such as a heroic effort or a heroic poem. This sense focuses on grandeur and scale rather than physical courage alone.
