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.
Boucher said her organization received permission from the National Park Service to set up a Missy Trap, an easy-to-build enclosure meant to capture pets in a humane manner. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 The volunteers set a humane trap to lure Luna in using the scent of her family, since using food could attract other wildlife like bears. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 America needs an immigration system that is orderly, humane, and actually works. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 Previously, Denno has said that the firing squad is the most humane and effective means of execution, with relatively few hiccups throughout American history. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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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