humane

adjective

hu·​mane hyü-ˈmān How to pronounce humane (audio)
yü-
Synonyms of humanenext
1
: marked by compassion, sympathy, or consideration for humans or animals
humane prison guards
a more humane way of treating farm animals
2
: characterized by or tending to broad humanistic culture : humanistic
humane studies
humanely adverb
humaneness noun

Examples of humane in a Sentence

It's not humane to treat animals that way. Conditions in the prison are more humane now.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Funds raised at this event provides medical care to sick or injured animals, low cost vaccinations and spay/neuter services, behavior training, humane education programs and so much more! CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026 Architecture like this, which reveals its structure while producing its effects, can make a museum feel slightly more humane. Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026 His coverage is funded by The Just Trust, a nonprofit that advocates for a humane justice system and reforms to problems in the system. Patrick Wilson, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026 Burke believed that manners and mores, customs and norms, codes of conduct, and beauty itself made life more humane. Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for humane

Word History

Etymology

Middle English humain

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of humane was in 1552

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Humane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humane. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

humane

adjective
hu·​mane hyü-ˈmān How to pronounce humane (audio)
yü-
: marked by sympathy or consideration for others
humanely adverb
humaneness noun

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