as in courage
strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger
the inspiring heroism of the firefighters who risked their lives to save the people trapped in the burning building
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Recent Examples of heroism
In the years following Wallace’s death, this aura of saintliness likely derived from the combination of his moral seriousness as a fiction writer—his attunement to the heroism of private suffering and emotional endurance—and the fact of his premature end.
—
Hermione Hoby, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
This woman who is, like, spending all of her afternoons driving from house to house bringing food to families, to me, that’s heroism.
—Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2026
Mohammed Ali Naqvi’s tense Himalayan rescue drama should appeal to fans of Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and their Nat Geo films about heroism in perilous moments of near-death crisis.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 21 Jan. 2026
The Boston Tea Party is among the most memorable protests leading up to the Revolutionary War, and today is often heralded as a moment of heroism.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heroism
Hermione Hoby, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
This woman who is, like, spending all of her afternoons driving from house to house bringing food to families, to me, that’s heroism.
—Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2026
Mohammed Ali Naqvi’s tense Himalayan rescue drama should appeal to fans of Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and their Nat Geo films about heroism in perilous moments of near-death crisis.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 21 Jan. 2026
The Boston Tea Party is among the most memorable protests leading up to the Revolutionary War, and today is often heralded as a moment of heroism.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heroism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heroism
Noun
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There is always a final shot — the one taken out of misplaced faith that courage can be distilled.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Feb. 2026
-
February 19 – March 20 When kindness meets courage, hearts feel safe.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But nothing compared to Vietnam when showcasing Black bravery, strength, and even political expression in the war zones of Southeast Asia.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Feb. 2026
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In the sub-zero temperatures of winter, everyday Minnesotans have showed the nation their bravery, empathy and decency in the face of rogue agents masquerading as law enforcement officers.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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There’s a quixotic gallantry to appealing to a saner conservative and looking ahead to a post-Trump American politics.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
14 Aug. 2025
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Queen Elizabeth later awarded Beaton the George's Cross, Britain’s highest civilian award for gallantry, for his role in saving her daughter’s life, and bestowed honors on Callender, as well as the other policemen and onlookers who intervened.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
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That mix of stubbornness and courageousness is what endeared Snider to fans and peers alike.—
Joseph Hudak,
Rolling Stone,
15 Nov. 2025
Noun
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According to Chinese experts, such events highlight the country’s technological prowess and advancements in robotics, including their applications.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
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The team of Mikaela Shiffrin and Breezy Johnson were the favorites to at least get a bronze medal given Shiffrin’s prowess on the World Cup circuit and Johnson won a gold medal in downhill earlier in the Games.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But in its oldest sense, valor means the willingness to attempt something worthy, knowing the cost might be everything, doing it anyway out of love for the thing itself.—
Outside,
Outside,
10 Feb. 2026
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Leaving is often made harder by other cultural messages that mistake endurance with valor.—
Gabrielle Kassel,
SELF,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heroism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heroism. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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