Definitions

humane

[hyoo-meyn, yoo-] / hjuˈmeɪn, ju- /

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.

The Japanese prisoner-of-war camp is run by an enlightened colonel who insists on humane treatment and establishes educational programs, sports competitions and musical groups.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026

A new study has provided the first comprehensive estimate of koala numbers in the region and identified a humane, cost effective strategy to keep the population at sustainable levels.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

But what was once accepted as the norm is now being questioned, with growing calls for humane working conditions and limits on daily hours.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

She has argued for humane treatment of L.A.’s homeless population and pushed for a ramp-up in hiring at the Los Angeles Police Department.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

And yet we called decent behavior humane, and acted as though animals were the brutes!

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

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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