humanism

noun

Definition of humanismnext
as in generosity
concern for human welfare (as shown through philanthropic activities) The humanism of the couple was revealed when they welcomed those displaced by the fire into their home.

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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 humanism The committee also highlighted the film’s humanism and delicate direction, its dense, multidimensional character relationships, and its meditation on love, desire and original sin. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026 The London trio updates the naive humanism of 2000s indie-folk with modern dread and restless experimentation on its ambitious full-length debut. — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 7 July 2026 But Christian humanism as a phenomenon flourished most during the Renaissance. — Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026 In a moving message this weekend, Pope Leo XIV spoke out against the rising tide of AI and urged his followers to recommit to a radical humanism. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for humanism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humanism
  1. generosity
  2. humaneness
  3. humanity
  4. compassion
  5. kindness
  6. heart
  7. humanitarianism
Noun
  • Aunt Jackie, revealing her own sense of humor and generosity, gave Mum a green four-leaf clover-pin with a small diamond on each leaf.
    — Kerry Kennedy, Vanity Fair, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The conflict between pragmatism and generosity begins at a small scale and incrementally escalates.
    — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of generosity
Noun
  • Colman superbly nails the seeming contradiction between professional medical detachment and humaneness.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Definition of humaneness
Noun
  • This collective nature has a layering effect, telegraphing a specific sense of style and humanity increasingly rare in the world of contemporary hotels.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • To Reynolds, Mai was an embodiment of the universal nobility of humanity – a far cry from Westminster Magazine’s depiction of the islander as no more than a cheap amusement.
    — Saar Shahar, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of humanity
Noun
  • Caring for themselves gives them greater capacity for empathy, compassion and service.
    — Michael Corvini, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • While introducing the film, Stan reflected on the questions of judgment and need for compassion at the heart of its story.
    — Antonio Ferme, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of compassion
Noun
  • The play is largely a study in kindness, in both form and subject — even while facing the tough inevitabilities of any life.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
  • In that interview, Williams discussed growing up in New York, overcoming adversity and the importance of treating others with kindness.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • The story follows a celebrated pediatric heart surgeon whose daughter falls prey to a vengeful ghost.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The nine suites sell out far in advance, especially if there's a popular event in the city, so book well ahead if your heart is set on staying here.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of heart
Noun
  • What started in 1492 definitely wasn’t American humanitarianism at its best.
    — James Coffin, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards began in 2013 in an effort to honor the legendary boxer’s lifelong humanitarianism and to celebrate a new generation of social changemakers.
    — Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of humanitarianism

Browse Nearby Words

humaneness
humanism
humanitarian
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Cite this Entry

“Humanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humanism. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on humanism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about humanism

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