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humanitarian

noun

hu·​man·​i·​tar·​i·​an hyü-ˌma-nə-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce humanitarian (audio)
yü-
Synonyms of humanitariannext
: a person promoting human welfare and social reform : philanthropist
recognized as a great humanitarian for her work to end world hunger
humanitarian adjective
humanitarianism noun

Examples of humanitarian in a Sentence

She has been recognized as a great humanitarian for her efforts to end world hunger.
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.
Doing the work needed on their respective ends, Leslie and Lindsey, who work as authors and humanitarians, were eventually able to make amends. Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 22 Nov. 2025 The 25-year-old humanitarian and volunteer was crowned by last year’s winner Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark. Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 21 Nov. 2025 But humanitarians’ job there is particularly difficult. Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025 Airplane food is getting a chef’s kiss from a renowned cook and humanitarian. Rachel Chang, AFAR Media, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for humanitarian

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of humanitarian was in 1843

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Humanitarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humanitarian. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

humanitarian

noun
hu·​man·​i·​tar·​i·​an hyü-ˌman-ə-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce humanitarian (audio)
yü-
: a person devoted to or working for the health and happiness of other people
humanitarian adjective
humanitarianism noun

More from Merriam-Webster on humanitarian

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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