antiheroic

American  

[an-tee-hi-roh-ik, an-tahy-] / ˌæn ti hɪˈroʊ ɪk, ˌæn taɪ- /

adjective

1. (of a protagonist) possessing the characteristics of an anti-hero.

2. (of a literary work) having an antihero as its protagonist.

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Etymology

Origin of antiheroic

First recorded in 1875–80; anti- + heroic

Example Sentences

As with the recently released antiheroic prequel “Cruella” — whose director, Craig Gillespie, helmed the pilot — self-actualization means letting oneself embrace one’s darker impulses.

From Washington Post • Jun. 17, 2021

The most ambitious example is “Vice,” a kind of antiheroic symphony with an evil heartbeat at its center.

From New York Times • May 6, 2021

Instead, Morad exposes these worshippers of military masculinity as almost parodically antiheroic.

From Slate • Aug. 19, 2018

Case in point: last year’s Logan, which easily had the best depiction of Hugh Jackman’s antiheroic Wolverine, despite his hideous crimes of the past.

From The Guardian • Jan. 30, 2018

Two decades of antiheroic television drama have been hard on straight-up heroes.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2017