anthem

noun

an·​them ˈan(t)-thəm How to pronounce anthem (audio)
Synonyms of anthemnext
1
: a song or hymn of praise or gladness
a patriotic anthem
2
: a usually rousing popular song that typifies or is identified with a particular subculture, movement, or point of view
anthems of teenage angst
3
a
: a psalm or hymn sung antiphonally or responsively
b
: a sacred vocal composition with words usually from the Scriptures
anthemic
ˌan(t)-ˈthē-mik How to pronounce anthem (audio)
-ˈthe-
adjective

Synonyms of anthem

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Examples of anthem 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.
Dolly Parton, the brilliant songwriter and beloved country singer who has died at age 80, wrote one of the great anthems of the American working class. — John Nichols, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2026 The song has endured beyond its controversy as something of an empowerment anthem. — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 The musical features an original score by Christopher Nightingale, Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, drawing on protest anthems, pop, rock, disco and the Welsh choral tradition. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026 Most players who kneeled during the anthem kept their jobs because their play warranted it. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anthem

Word History

Etymology

Middle English antem, from Old English antefn, from Late Latin antiphona, from Late Greek antiphōna, plural of antiphōnon, from Greek, neuter of antiphōnos responsive, from anti- + phōnē sound — more at ban entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Time Traveler
The first known use of anthem was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing anthem

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anthelmintic
anthem
-anthema
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Cite this Entry

“Anthem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthem. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

anthem

noun
an·​them ˈan(t)-thəm How to pronounce anthem (audio)
1
: a sacred composition with words usually from the Scriptures
2
: a song of praise or gladness

More from Merriam-Webster on anthem

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anthem

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