humane

1 of 2

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

humaneness

2 of 2

noun

hu·​mane·​ness -ānnə̇s How to pronounce humaneness (audio)
plural -es
: the quality or state of being humane

Synonyms of humane

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Adjective

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Examples of humane in a Sentence

Adjective 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.
Adjective
Luckily, there are plenty of humane ways to encourage them to relocate. — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2026 Meanwhile, the new parent, whom the humane society dubbed Mercy, was emaciated, weak and struggling to breathe, with wound abscesses on her swollen face and mouth. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 Rio Blanco County Commissioner Callie Scritchfield, however, said captivity is more humane than allowing the horses to roam free. — Stina Sieg, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026 Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection investigated Ridglan between 2024 and 2025 and identified 494 violations, with several pertaining to dogs being handled in a practicable and humane manner. — Adam Yamaguchi, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for humane

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English humain

First Known Use

Adjective

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of humane was in 1552

Rhymes for humane

See All Rhymes for humane

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 5 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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