antihero

noun

an·​ti·​he·​ro ˈan-tē-ˌhē-(ˌ)rō How to pronounce antihero (audio) ˈan-ˌtī- How to pronounce antihero (audio)
-ˌhir-(ˌ)ō
plural antiheroes
: a protagonist or notable figure who is conspicuously lacking in heroic qualities
antiheroic
ˌan-tē-hi-ˈrō-ik, 
ˌan-ˌtī- How to pronounce antihero (audio)
adjective

Examples of antihero in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Sorry …) herself as one of the season’s great antiheroes. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 22 June 2026 Yang smashes the model minority stereotype by creating a deeply flawed antihero and deliciously twisty tale. — Literary Hub, 19 May 2026 Instead, Meledandri freed filmmakers and animators to make movies about antic antiheroes. — ABC News, 19 June 2026 Advertisement Jones uses his antihero’s blunt self-appraisals to avoid the pretentiousness endemic to stories about artists. — Judy Berman, Time, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for antihero

Word History

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antihero was in 1714

Rhymes for antihero

See All Rhymes for antihero

Browse Nearby Words

antihemophilic factor
antihero
antiheroine
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Cite this Entry

“Antihero.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antihero. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on antihero

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about antihero

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