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.

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

It made our technological world accessible, inclusive, and humane.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

When World War I arrived, Galsworthy—like many humane Europeans of his generation who had believed that mass barbarism was becoming a thing of the past—was shattered.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

"Our tactics continue to focus on deploying thermal drones, along with camera traps and humane traps aimed at tempting Samba out of hiding with favourite foods including melon."

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

At the start of the third week, our Blockdlteste was removed; he was judged too humane.

From "Night" by Elie Wiesel

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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