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

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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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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 By July 29, the humane society had received 108 animals from Giustino’s home. — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026 The humane society protects black cats for a specified period of time around Halloween. — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 31 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 Each swap reads as a humane correction to a system that MAHA believes overprescribes, overdiagnoses, and underinvests in the conditions — sleep, nutrition, safety, connection — that shape how people feel. — Sunny Patel, STAT, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for humane

Recent Examples of Synonyms for humane

Adjective

Leaders can be compassionate toward others through leadership and practicing openness, yet their presence will be tense or distant, constantly watching themselves.

— Gregory Stebbins, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Rose said the company was compassionate and did an amazing job.

— Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of compassionate

Adjective

Jean is ultimately revealed to be a sympathetic character in search of her sister, Sara Grey (Olivia Booth-Ford), who has been captured by the government organization Damage Control in order to exploit her psychic powers.

— Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
And Aparna Nancherla warms up the ice-cold cast of characters as Matt and Jake’s sympathetic but powerless buddy in HR.

— Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of sympathetic

Adjective

In Chinese mythology, for example, dragons are revered as powerful, benevolent beings associated with rain, rivers, and fertility.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
His single mom, Laura, got by with assistance from the local church and benevolent relatives, including one who bought Warner football cleats.

— Dan Pompei, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of benevolent

Adjective

Say the kind thing, ask the real question, and let connection grow through simple effort instead of silent hoping today.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
In these moments and others, HOTD has sometimes espoused a form of gender essentialism that suggests Rhaenyra and Alicent are both inherently kinder and better than the men around them.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of kind

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human beings

humane

humanely

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“Humane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humane. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of humane

adjective

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