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 misery of the situation could feel overwhelming, even cruel, but Cahyono’s observation of Sumiati’s struggles is humane and sympathetic. — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 The United States has previously faced accusations of violating international laws on torture and humane treatment. — Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026 Sally Hayden’s reportage is always deeply humane, rigorous and challenging, and this new book promises to be an education. — Doireann Ní Ghríofa, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026 People experiencing such devastating delusions deserve humane, quality care. — Meg Leduc, STAT, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for humane

Recent Examples of Synonyms for humane

Adjective

The far left's open borders policy was not fair or compassionate.

— WCCO Staff, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Judges could sometimes consider changes to the law when deciding whether to grant compassionate release to inmates who had served at least 10 years.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of compassionate

Adjective

The misery of the situation could feel overwhelming, even cruel, but Cahyono’s observation of Sumiati’s struggles is humane and sympathetic.

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Mills, sympathetic to conspiratorial beliefs about the 2020 election and hailed by some election skeptics as a champion of voting integrity, has long clashed with members, squabbling over his power.

— Caleb Groves, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of sympathetic

Adjective

Larger-than-life Halloween celebrations rise up every October like the Great Pumpkin (or a benevolent spooky spirit or two) to captivate visitors with parades, caramel apples, costume contests, and more.

— Michelle Mastro, Midwest Living, 9 Oct. 2026
Promotional images and films conjured a playful, adaptable and benevolent house — plastic as the building block of family happiness.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of benevolent

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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of humane

adjective

Example Sentences

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