heroics
Britishplural noun
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prosody short for heroic verse
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extravagant or melodramatic language, behaviour, etc
Explanation
When you act brave in an overly showy way, that's heroics. Sailing your little boat out into a raging storm just so you can brag about it later? Clearly nothing but heroics. Heroics is used to mean both true heroism and a bravado that often involves dangerous or ridiculous actions. Use it in the first way for real bravery, like the heroics of a firefighter rescuing someone from a burning house or an emergency room doctor who saves a patient with a serious injury. Used in the second way, this word describes false or showy bravery and can even describe someone's speech: "He bragged about his success on the soccer field, but it was all just heroics."
Vocabulary lists containing heroics
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In 2022-23, fresh off her Euros heroics, Kelly was an integral part of Gareth Taylor's Manchester City side and started all but one of their Women's Super League fixtures.
From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026
After his heroics for Sweden in their World Cup play-offs, which saw them qualify for the tournament in the summer, he is full of confidence.
From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026
After a stellar career that included Olympic gold in 2016, Ryder Cup heroics and reaching No. 1 in the world, it began to look like time was catching up to Rose.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026
Keep it up, and all anyone will remember is the heroics — including those to come.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026
First thing Monday morning, Curly would call Mother Paula’s corporate headquarters to give the vice-president the details of the arrest, and of his own heroics.
From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
