anthropomorphic

adjective

an·​thro·​po·​mor·​phic ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-fik How to pronounce anthropomorphic (audio)
1
: described or thought of as having a human form or human attributes
anthropomorphic deities
stories involving anthropomorphic animals
2
: ascribing human characteristics to nonhuman things
anthropomorphic supernaturalism
anthropomorphic beliefs about nature
anthropomorphically adverb

Did you know?

As word lovers, we are endlessly fascinated by the uniqueness and complexity of human language. Many species use sounds and gestures to communicate with one another, but the ability to speak in full sentences, to share abstract ideas, and to write and tell stories is distinctly anthropic. Brilliant though dogs may be, they can’t verbalize their hopes and dreams. That is, unless those dogs are anthropomorphic—a trait common in works of fiction. From chatty chiweenies to tangoing tapirs, depictions of anthropomorphic animals abound thanks to our creative superpowers.

Examples of anthropomorphic in a Sentence

a story in which the characters are anthropomorphic animals
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.
But Jon Favreau directed an impressive, imaginative remake in 2016, making spiffy use of CGI in order to make the story's anthropomorphic animals a little more lifelike. Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 10 May 2025 The short story was inspired by the ancient folkloric legend of the Golem, an anthropomorphic being usually made from clay or mud, brought to life by magical means to serve its creator. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 9 May 2025 Of all the various anthropomorphic talking bears out there, few wear pants, but only one wears a red shirt: Winnie-the-POOH! Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025 While the voice actors provided the basis of the lions’ expressions and emotions, Quad Cap added more anthropomorphic qualities. Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anthropomorphic

Word History

Etymology

Greek anthrōpómorphos "having human form" (from anthrōpo- anthropo- + -morphos -morphous) + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anthropomorphic was in 1802

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Cite this Entry

“Anthropomorphic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthropomorphic. Accessed 15 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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