Homo sapiens

noun

ˌhō-(ˌ)mō-ˈsā-pē-ˌenz How to pronounce Homo sapiens (audio)
Definition of Homo sapiensnext
as in mankind
the human race how far into the outer reaches of the universe will Homo sapiens someday be able to go?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of Homo sapiens As the Neanderthals gradually disappeared around 40,000 years ago—partly due to competition with our own species—Homo sapiens began taking shelter-building in new directions. — Literary Hub, 1 May 2026 Yunxian 2 provides a clearer example of an earlier lineage, suggesting that several major human lineages—Homo sapiens, Neanderthals, and sister species like Homo longi—may have co-existed for hundreds of thousands of years, interacting and potentially interbreeding. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2025 Homo sapiens are highly socialized animals prone to cooperate when necessary. — Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Homo sapiens
  1. mankind
  2. humanity
  3. human
Noun
  • That experience prompted me to investigate further how mankind knows truth.
    — Suzanne Riedel, Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 2026
  • By giving Helen a conspicuous scar, Nolan shows that even the most coveted woman on the planet is not immune to mankind’s brutality.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 21 July 2026
Definition of mankind
Noun
  • Over the past six weeks, his humanity broke through the gates of his mystique.
    — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • My goal is to protect both mothers and children wherever possible while ensuring victims are treated with dignity and humanity.
    — Eric "Doc" Stelnicki, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026
Definition of humanity
Noun
  • When someone needs a human and can’t find one, all that polish means nothing.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • In restaurants, shops, factories, and warehouses, humans will focus on judgment, creativity, and empathy, while intelligent systems handle speed, scale, and repetition.
    — Nigel Vaz, Time, 20 July 2026
Definition of human

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Homo sapiens
hon
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Cite this Entry

“Homo sapiens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Homo%20sapiens. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Homo sapiens

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Homo sapiens

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