humanism

noun

hu·​man·​ism ˈhyü-mə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce humanism (audio)
ˈyü-
1
a
: devotion to the humanities : literary culture
b
: the revival of classical letters, individualistic and critical spirit, and emphasis on secular concerns characteristic of the Renaissance
2
: devotion to human welfare : humanitarianism
renowned for his humanism
3
: a doctrine, attitude, or way of life centered on human interests or values
especially : a philosophy that usually rejects supernaturalism and stresses an individual's dignity and worth and capacity for self-realization through reason : secular humanism
humanist noun or adjective
humanistic adjective
humanistically adverb

Examples of humanism in a Sentence

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.
The film’s screenplay, adapted from real events by first-time screenwriter Austin Kolodney, is infused with humanism and dark wit, standing as one of the year’s finest. Clayton Davis, Variety, 25 Oct. 2025 Others have invoked the humanism of Truffaut, who, like Linklater, was also interested in the serial, durational properties of narrative cinema. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2025 Directed by Roy Ward Baker, this 1958 adaptation of Walter Lord’s nonfiction book about the sinking of the Titanic is a great example of meticulous observation and humanism. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025 The spirit of his work, which earned him a humanism in medicine scholarship in medical school, is what prompted him to call Sutton-Schulman. Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for humanism

Word History

Etymology

see human entry 1

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of humanism was in 1836

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Humanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humanism. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!