antihero

noun

an·​ti·​he·​ro
ˈan-tē-ˌhē-(ˌ)rō,
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.
Throughout the series, Tony attends therapy sessions with Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), providing a deep, compelling and complex look at what makes an antihero tick. Skyler Trepel, People.com, 10 June 2025 With his deep voice, his vintage clothes and his attraction to tales of antiheroes and outsiders — some of them informed by his own run-ins with the law — Crockett wasn’t always in sync with a mainstream country scene dominated by bros in backward ball caps. Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2025 John Cena is back as the low-key nicest antihero (of sorts) in the comic book business; with him are trusty sidekicks Eagly and Vigilante (Freddie Stroma). Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025 Just put together a ragtag bunch of antiheroes culled from past franchise entries and turn them into a not-ready-for-primetime fighting team forced to save America and — presto! Pete Hammond, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Antihero.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antihero. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

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