HUMANISMS Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

humanism

noun

Definition of humanism

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 63-year-old auteur, winner of the Cannes Palme d’Or in 2018 for Shoplifters, has made his indelible imprint on world cinema with delicate family drama, suffused with wry humor and wrenching humanism, far more so than futurism. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026 But, in designing hospitals, another aspect of humanism is played out, Piano says — beauty. — Dr. Tal Patalon, Forbes.com, 1 May 2026 What good is his determined humanism in the face of the great humming machine of bureaucracy? — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2026 Hungary has chosen hope over fear, freedom over submission, humanism over anti-humanism. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for humanism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for humanism

Noun

Effective recovery depends not only on the generosity of the donations, but also on strategic approaches that can get the type of aid needed to the people who need it.

— Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, The Conversation, 13 July 2026
In all of these cases, the effect is largely the same—forging intimacy through some level of generosity or gallantry, coupled with pure, physical proximity—and in 2026, all of them are still technically possible.

— Sara Delgado, Vogue, 9 July 2026

Definition of generosity

Noun

There was a scattering of arts and humanities people who were paying attention to AI and who generally approached the technology with an attitude of open curiosity.

— Meghan O’Gieblyn, The New York Review of Books, 11 July 2026
But only recently has this process been encoded so specifically onto the face, traditionally thought of as a portal to our humanity.

— Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 11 July 2026

Definition of humanity

Noun

Beyond helping during traumatic calls, Lopez, Domino’s handler, said bringing him to a scene represents an effort to show residents a different side of law enforcement, one built around compassion and trust.

— Verónica Egui Brito July 15, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Food for thought Guests are also offered food for thought in workshops on topics like mindfulness, self-compassion over self-criticism, finding your why and how to get better sleep.

— Eve Chen, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Definition of compassion

Noun

Pannakara’s discourses on mindfulness and kindness in churchyards, town squares and in front of the Lincoln Memorial drew large, diverse crowds.

— Deepa Bharath, Fortune, 17 July 2026
Guitars take the place of shovels, as Henry now repays Carlos’ kindness by helping to save the land that Carlos assumes is ravaged.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Definition of kindness

Noun

England went ahead of Argentina in the 55th minute of their semifinal, but Messi found another gear and set up both late goals to break England’s hearts and keep Argentina’s run alive.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
The change of heart partly hinges on Camille’s conversations with her husband, Robert, who is freaking out over what’s been happening to Juliette.

— Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 July 2026

Definition of heart

Noun

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
Ono has also made her mark as a peace activist, and her humanitarianism runs throughout her oeuvre.

— Julie L. Belcove, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026

Definition of humanitarianism

Browse Nearby Words

humaneness

humanism

humanitarian

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Humanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humanism. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of humanism

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on humanism

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

raffish

Popular in Grammar & Usage

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

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

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

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes