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.
While no criminal charges or animal cruelty allegations have been filed, Willson noted that the humane society is continuing to work collaboratively with the owner and local authorities to reduce the number of dogs in his care and improve conditions for the animals. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026 On its website, PETA recommends using the humane bug catcher, or using a cup and sheet of paper when trying to remove a large bug from a home, rather than killing it. Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026 Colorado led the way in adopting humane farming practices. Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 18 May 2026 Art that’s anchored in real pain almost always leaves open a channel to beauty—or at least some more richly humane response to life. Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 16 May 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 25 May. 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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