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.
Bumgarner confirmed there is no current partnership between the humane society and United Way, but that United Way frequently consults with organizations in distress. Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026 The mom of five said the humane society told her -- and shared in a Facebook post -- that June had been spotted by someone at a local monument company in Needham, about 15 minutes and less than 10 miles from her home, and had brought him into the shelter. Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026 Older lethal methods of traps and poison remain available, but a push toward more humane, organic deterrents has led to a surge in alternative strategies. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026 Its open-air layout of trailers was supposed to be more humane. Caitlin Dickerson, The Atlantic, 10 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 14 Mar. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on humane

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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