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Definitions

humble

[huhm-buhl, uhm-] / ˈhʌm bəl, ˈʌm- /
ADJECTIVE
meek, unassuming
Synonyms
STRONGEST
courteous gentle modest ordinary polite quiet respectful self-effacing sheepish shy simple soft-spoken tentative timid unpretentious
STRONG
blushing content obliging reserved retiring sedate withdrawn
WEAK
apprehensive backward bashful biddable deferential demure diffident docile fearful hesitant lowly manageable mild obsequious reverential self-conscious servile standoffish submissive subservient supplicatory timorous tractable unambitious unobtrusive unostentatious
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bold brave complex complicated discourteous extraordinary extroverted impolite intricate loud rude troubled unashamed uncivil unmannerly unrefined
STRONG
friendly outgoing sociable upset
WEAK
assertive boasting conceited egotistical insolent luxurious pretentious proud rich showy superior
ADJECTIVE
poor, inferior
Synonyms
STRONGEST
modest obscure ordinary simple unassuming unpretentious
STRONG
base low mean rough unfit
WEAK
beggarly common commonplace contemptible humdrum ignoble inglorious insignificant little low-born low-ranking lowly meager measly menial miserable paltry petty pitiful plebeian proletarian puny scrubby seemly servile severe shabby small sordid trivial uncouth underprivileged undistinguished unimportant unrefined vulgar wretched
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bold brave extraordinary presumptuous
STRONG
honest moral nice noble polite
WEAK
assertive boasting conceited egotistical insolent luxurious pretentious proud rich showy superior
VERB
shame, put down
Synonyms
STRONGEST
chagrin chasten confound confuse crush deflate disgrace embarrass humiliate mortify overcome subdue upset
STRONG
abase abash break debase degrade demean demote deny discomfit discredit hide lower reduce silence sink snub squash squelch
WEAK
bemean bring down cast down cut to the quick make eat dirt make one feel small pop one's balloon pull down put away put one away put to shame strike dumb take down take down a peg
Antonyms
STRONGEST
boost build up clarify clear up comfort compliment delight encourage enlighten explain help honor lose make happy order please praise release surrender yield
STRONG
agree allow elevate enhance grow improve increase laud open promote raise rise strengthen upgrade

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.

The humble tomato, beloved by many yet scorned by some, slowly awakens from hibernation, reminding us that warm weather, spent indulging in fresh salads and produce-filled sandwiches, is almost here.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

"One thing that also strikes me is how humble they've been, which perhaps is quite telling considering the values of the award."

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

From its humble beginnings when the founders worked out of Jobs’ family garage, Apple has ballooned over the last five decades, opening a sprawling ring-shaped headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., and employing roughly 166,000 workers.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Within the company, Vahdat said, employees see him as a kind and thoughtful colleague who has remained humble after all his accomplishments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

I looked out the window, reminded that I was part of a humble continuum.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.