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.

A new study has provided the first comprehensive estimate of koala numbers in the region and identified a humane, cost effective strategy to keep the population at sustainable levels.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

A humane technological order requires a robust civil society: universities, localities, entrepreneurs, churches, professional associations and especially families capable of exercising moral responsibility and cultivating virtue.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

Moscatelli tries to humanize the capybaras so that real humans become more humane.

From Slate • May 27, 2026

The website also features a “Our Promise” page, which states the company demands “the humane treatment of animals.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

That this was considered a sane or even humane option signaled that all reason had left this place.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers

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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