humane

adjective

hu·​mane hyü-ˈmān How to pronounce humane (audio)
yü-
Synonyms of humane
1
: marked by compassion, sympathy, or consideration for humans or animals
humane prison guards
a more humane way of treating farm animals
2
: characterized by or tending to broad humanistic culture : humanistic
humane studies
humanely adverb
humaneness
hyü-ˈmān-nəs How to pronounce humane (audio)
yü-
noun

Synonyms of humane

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Examples of humane in a Sentence

It's not humane to treat animals that way. Conditions in the prison are more humane now.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The humane society protects black cats for a specified period of time around Halloween. — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Every animal deserves humane treatment and prompt access to care. — Marianne Pizzitola, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026 In June, Nehemiah became the humane society's first volunteer to reach the 100-hour milestone, and the Jacksonville Humane Society presented him with a certificate to show its appreciation for his efforts. — ABC News, 23 July 2026 Puncturing the lobster kills it instantly, which isn’t a humane way of hunting them, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for humane

Word History

Etymology

Middle English humain

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of humane was in 1552

Rhymes for humane

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Browse Nearby Words

human contact
humane
human ecology
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Cite this Entry

“Humane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humane. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

humane

adjective
hu·​mane hyü-ˈmān How to pronounce humane (audio)
yü-
: marked by sympathy or consideration for others
humanely adverb
humaneness
-ˈmān-nəs How to pronounce humane (audio)
noun

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Nglish: Translation of humane for Spanish Speakers

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