humane

adjective

hu·​mane hyü-ˈmān How to pronounce humane (audio)
yü-
Synonyms of humane
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.
The safest and most humane response is usually patience. Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 20 June 2026 Since the facility opened, immigration advocates said the tents were never safe or humane to hold people. ABC News, 17 June 2026 Jeffrey Lee was scheduled to be put to death on July 11 for a 1998 double murder, but challenged the relatively new form of execution — a kind of asphyxiation by gas — which has led to some inmates dying slow, painful death, despite claims that the method is more humane than others. Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2026 The vote led to protests in the community, WAFF reported, as residents and others called for a more humane solution to control the population. Drew Pittock, USA Today, 16 June 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 21 Jun. 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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