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.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 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 But, in designing hospitals, another aspect of humanism is played out, Piano says — beauty. — Dr. Tal Patalon, Forbes.com, 1 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
  • But through quick thinking, organizing and the generosity of thousands New Yorkers, Pintabona and the other restaurant members put together a massive operation that fed Ground Zero workers around the clock for two months after the attacks.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • But behind the glitz was profound talent, as well as a grit and generosity that made her one of country music’s biggest stars and a beloved international icon.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 8 Sep. 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
  • Zumthor’s buildings, in my book, speak the language of believing in a better version of humanity.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Every so often, the British writer-director Mike Leigh makes a movie in which the stars — and the tartly casual dramatic scenes — line up, coalescing into a full-on vision of prickly humanity.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of humanity
Noun
  • Think of fear as a request for your attention and compassion.
    — Marisa G. Franco, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Humans may be needed for tasks that only humans can perform, like holding patients’ hands, but doctors may not be best for compassion and empathy.
    — Abe Baker-Butler, STAT, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of compassion
Noun
  • Following her death, Eloise’s family established the Living for Lulu Foundation to continue her legacy by encouraging kindness and helping animals in need.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • My mother, Cynthia, taught me to go through life with both relentless ambition and kindness.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • Following a short outpatient procedure, the device sits under his skin on his chest, similar to a heart pacemaker.
    — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Our hearts continue to be with the families and loved ones of those who were killed, and with the entire Miami-Dade community enduring an unimaginable time.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of heart
Noun
  • 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
  • Meanwhile, the very vocabulary of humanitarianism and antiracism has become so selectively applied or debased as to be meaningless.
    — Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
Definition of humanitarianism

Browse Nearby Words

humaneness
humanism
humanitarian
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Humanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humanism. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on humanism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about humanism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of shofar

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
funny guinea pig in glasses reading a book
Challenging Words You Should Know Vol 2 Words to the wise
See All