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.

She has argued for humane treatment of L.A.’s homeless population and pushed for a ramp-up in hiring at the Los Angeles Police Department.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

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

From Slate • May 27, 2026

"This is a matter we take very, ‌very seriously. It's a matter of humane treatment of civilians, and I can assure you that ⁠we are acting with ⁠absolute urgency," she told reporters.

From BBC • May 20, 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

At the start of the third week, our Blockdlteste was removed; he was judged too humane.

From "Night" by Elie Wiesel

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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