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.

Moscatelli tries to humanize the capybaras so that real humans become more humane.

From Slate • May 27, 2026

In some ways, “The Boys” version of present-day America looks more humane than ours.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

"This is a matter we take very, ‌very seriously. It's a matter of humane treatment of civilians, and I can assure you that ⁠we are acting with ⁠absolute urgency," she told reporters.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

The website also features a “Our Promise” page, which states the company demands “the humane treatment of animals.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Their punishments were humane, and their policymakers took rehabilitation of criminal offenders very seriously, which made me excited about the award and the trip.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

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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