antihero

[an-tee-heer-oh, an-tahy-]

noun

plural

antiheroes 

1. a protagonist who lacks the attributes that make a heroic figure, as nobility of mind and spirit, a life or attitude marked by action or purpose, and the like.

antihero

/ ˈæntɪˌhɪərəʊ /

noun

1. a central character in a novel, play, etc, who lacks the traditional heroic virtues

Other Word Forms

• antiheroism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of antihero¹

First recorded in 1705–15; anti- + hero

Example Sentences

Gilligan also created “Pluribus” as a counterweight to the antihero era he helped define by contributing two unforgettable linchpins, Walter White and Saul Goodman.

Read more on Salon

But now, a couple of months since leaving LIV, the 70-year-old Norman sees himself as golf’s antihero.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Inspired by her antihero, DaCosta manipulates Ibsen to suit her own goals.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Mia, Lyle says, is a bit of an antihero and woman on the edge.

Read more on BBC

Many of my favorite series — “Mad Men,” “The Sopranos,” “Breaking Bad” — revolve around antiheroes.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bad guy 
• baddie 
• baddy www.thesaurus.com
• criminal 
• devil 
• scoundrel 
• sinner