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.

In some ways, “The Boys” version of present-day America looks more humane than ours.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

He said notes were kept of bathroom breaks, so year heads could look and see "patterns of toilet behaviour", but overall Banks said it was a "humane approach".

From BBC • May 16, 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

He even came across more humane jailers who said they were "sorry" about what was happening and that one day "Russia will apologise".

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

Their punishments were humane, and their policymakers took rehabilitation of criminal offenders very seriously, which made me excited about the award and the trip.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

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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