Definitions

humane

[hyoo-meyn, yoo-] / hyuˈmeɪn, yu- /

ADJECTIVE

kind, compassionate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

approachable benevolent considerate cordial democratic forgiving friendly generous gentle gracious humanitarian merciful open-minded sympathetic tolerant unselfish

WEAK

accommodating altruistic amiable benign benignant broad-minded charitable clement forbearing genial good good-natured helpful human indulgent kindhearted kindly lenient liberal magnanimous mild natural obliging philanthropic pitying righteous tender tenderhearted understanding warmhearted

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aloof cold cool disagreeable greedy mean merciless selfish unfeeling unfriendly ungiving unkind unsociable

WEAK

cruel fierce inhumane uncivilized uncompassionate unsympathetic violent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Surrey Police Federation chair Darren Pemble said Wakefield had also been awarded a Chief Constable's Commendation, a Royal Humane Society award, and a bronze medal from The Society for the Protection of Life from Fire.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

Humane treatment of German nationals was an "absolute priority", they added.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

The San Diego Humane Society is doing everything it can to mimic how the bears would grow up in the wild.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

It was shot at the Agresti Calf Ranch in Ceres, near Modesto, which is certified by the American Humane Society for its ethical treatment of animals.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Sheryl gives me a smile, but the kind she uses for poor, wounded animals at the Humane Society.

From "The House That Lou Built" by Mae Respicio

Vocabulary lists containing humane

100 SAT Words Beginning with "H"

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"The Bet" by Anton Chekhov

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The Stranger

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