Definitions

humane

[hyoo-meyn, yoo-] / hyuˈmeɪn, yu- /

ADJECTIVE

kind, compassionate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

approachable benevolent considerate cordial democratic forgiving friendly generous gentle gracious humanitarian merciful open-minded sympathetic tolerant unselfish

WEAK

accommodating altruistic amiable benign benignant broad-minded charitable clement forbearing genial good good-natured helpful human indulgent kindhearted kindly lenient liberal magnanimous mild natural obliging philanthropic pitying righteous tender tenderhearted understanding warmhearted

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aloof cold cool disagreeable greedy mean merciless selfish unfeeling unfriendly ungiving unkind unsociable

WEAK

cruel fierce inhumane uncivilized uncompassionate unsympathetic violent

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.

He also defended fox hunting which he said was the most "humane form pest control".

From BBC • May 26, 2026

On the contrary, in some ways, “The Boys” version of present-day America looks more humane than ours.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

In the candid and clearsighted “Jan Morris,” Ms. Wheeler gives us the “monster and the humane, lovable companion,” the aggressive charmer who boasted of being the “only Lady Card Holder” at the Travellers Club.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

“English” insists on viewing its Iranian characters through a humane, rather than geopolitical, lens.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Pickwick said that the German doctor in charge of the prison hospital was a humane man who occasionally arranged a medical discharge.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Vocabulary lists containing humane

100 SAT Words Beginning with "H"

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"The Bet" by Anton Chekhov

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The Stranger

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