hero

noun

ˈhir-(ˌ)ō How to pronounce hero (audio)
Definition of heronext
1
as in idol
a person who is the object of extreme or uncritical devotion fans of the sports hero didn't care what the facts were—in their minds, he was innocent of all criminal charges

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in submarine
a large sandwich on a long split roll shared a foot-long meatball hero with his friend

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of hero The global campaign spans hero motion films, stills and Levi’s flagship store activations. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026 Lee Child — the novelist who created this most quintessentially ‘Merican of heroes — isn’t merely an Englishman, but a Commander of the Order of the British Empire! — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026 The story follows ancient creatures appearing in the modern world, prompting heroes from different countries to confront a rising darkness threatening the region. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026 Featuring local cult heroes Isobel Fox and Will Menaker in key supporting roles. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hero
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hero
  1. idol
  2. submarine
  3. icon
  4. god
Noun
  • Semenyo had already completed a prolific season in England’s Premier League, scoring 17 league goals to take over boyhood idol Tony Yeboah’s long-standing record for most scored by a Ghanaian in a single season.
    — Andrew McNicol, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The immersive musical transforms the theater into a swinging nightclub, where Jordan plays a version of himself telling the story of Darin’s meteoric rise from teen idol to global sensation.
    — Lizzie Hyman, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of idol
Noun
  • The project encompasses building a fiber optic cable network spanning 4,500 kilometers (2,800 miles) across Syria to a submarine cable landing station at Tartus on the Mediterranean, with connections to Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Its findings could also guide the design of submarines, polar bases, oil rigs, refugee camps, and other isolated environments.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of submarine
Noun
  • For many younger Cubans, Castro remains an icon, but his influence is less immediate for them than for older generations who lived under his leadership.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In the heady ’90s, Harvey Nichols was an icon of British luxury.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of icon
Noun
  • New Greek gods will also be introduced, including Hubert Smielecki as Apollo, Kate McKinnon as Aphrodite and Ming-Na Wen as Hera.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Here being Los Angeles, stretches of which then resembled the coming of Ragnarök, when a battle between gods and fire giants ends with the whole world ablaze.
    — Matt Thompson, SPIN, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of god

Phrases Containing hero

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hermits
hero
heroes
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Cite this Entry

“Hero.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hero. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hero

Nglish: Translation of hero for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hero

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