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.

Surrey Police Federation chair Darren Pemble said Wakefield had also been awarded a Chief Constable's Commendation, a Royal Humane Society award, and a bronze medal from The Society for the Protection of Life from Fire.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

Humane treatment of German nationals was an "absolute priority", they added.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

The San Diego Humane Society is doing everything it can to mimic how the bears would grow up in the wild.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

Over the last week, the San Diego Humane Society has removed 446 cats, 30 dogs and dozens of other animals, including goats, alpacas, pigs, ducks, donkeys, geese and chickens from the property in Julian.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2026

Izzy, at ten, had been apprehended sneaking into the Humane Society in an attempt to free all the stray cats.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng

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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