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

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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.
If the night had ended after that soaring anthem, few in the heavily female and predominantly middle-aged crowd could have complained. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026 Those who condemned his protest chose to focus on his kneeling during the anthem — as opposed to the police violence that drove him to do it. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026 The track is one of Parton’s most popular hits and has resonated throughout the decades as a worker’s anthem of struggle and solidarity. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026 Not with hardcore perreo or the female empowerment anthems that have become her trademark, but with the vulnerability of a broken heart. — Leila Cobo, Billboard, 28 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 4 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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