HUMANE Synonyms: 160 Similar and Opposite Words

humane

adjective

hyü-ˈmān

Definition of humane

as in compassionate

having or marked by sympathy and consideration for others humane guards who treated the prisoners decently the Geneva conventions spelled out standards for the humane treatment of prisoners of war

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sympathetic

having or showing the capacity for sharing the feelings of another the movie's humane depiction of people who are physically and mentally challenged

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of humane The extermination method should be both practical and humane. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 This keeps them an effective form of eco-friendly and humane pest control. — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2026 Recommendations Given Haitians demands for accountability, Chatham House recommends that authorities take immediate steps to establish independent, efficient courts and humane, safe prisons. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026 The humane society is also subject to audit by the Indiana State Board of Accounts, according to city documents. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for humane

Recent Examples of Synonyms for humane

Adjective

Libra September 23 – October 22 The routine that keeps draining you may need a more compassionate rhythm.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
The vaccine is being used under a compassionate-use program, which allows a medical product to be used in a serious disease situation even though it has not been specifically approved for that particular use.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of compassionate

Adjective

Pearson, the ministry president, is sympathetic to the people lining up for help.

— Scott Horsley, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026
The show was considered an outlier in its generally sympathetic take on Hill and his conservative views, as well as in terms of the agency with which the show’s creators endowed its working- and middle-class characters.

— Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of sympathetic

Adjective

The new movie follows a benevolent ex-pilot named Hig (Jacob Elordi) who, after losing his wife during a catastrophic global pandemic, lives out in the wilderness with his dog, Jasper, and ornery isolationist pal Bangley (Josh Brolin).

— Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
City leaders agree large, unsupervised gatherings could put kids at risk even if most attendees are there for benevolent reasons.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of benevolent

Adjective

So his church—which has raised many millions of dollars for good causes, and operates a local food pantry and food truck—decided to distribute lawn signs simply encouraging people to be kind.

— Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
Engler said even in her early days of stardom, Parton was always kind and pleasant.

— Jessica Guay, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of kind

Browse Nearby Words

human beings

humane

humanely

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“Humane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humane. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of humane

adjective

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