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 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
  1. generosity
  2. humanity
  3. compassion
  4. kindness
  5. heart
  6. humanitarianism
Noun
  • The article cautions against outsourcing relationship building to AI, noting that authentic connections require time, vulnerability, and generosity, offering no immediate gratification.
    — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Her strength, warmth, generosity, and unmistakable personality left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
    — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of generosity
Noun
  • Background Dragonfly won’t be humanity’s first visitor to Titan.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • As the Green Lantern, Hal has the power to create material items through his ring, and acts as an intergalactic space officer protecting humanity from extraterrestrial threats.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of humanity
Noun
  • But when a desperate woman carrying an infant appears outside his sanctuary, Parish is forced to choose between compassion and survival.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Blake Lively Blake Lively shares an important reminder for people to show compassion for one another.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of compassion
Noun
  • The bride notes she was also taken in by the team’s kindness and talent.
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The moment taught Ridinger that a simple act of kindness can have a lasting impact.
    — Travis Cronin, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • While many viewers praise the former child star as the beating heart of the series, her newfound success comes with heightened tabloid scrutiny, thecoverage wading into everything from her looks to her love life.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Taylor splashed a wide-open triple from the top of the arc with 30 seconds to go to give tie the game, and then broke the visitors hearts to improve the Sky’s record to 14-22.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 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

“Humanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humanism. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on humanism

Nglish: Translation of humanism for Spanish Speakers

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 prowess

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

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

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'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?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

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

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
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
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All