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
  • Jewel-bright macarons and sweets set a tone of abundant generosity at check-in.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The Sun in your 8th House opposes Saturn in your 2nd, highlighting the difference between generosity and taking on more than feels sustainable.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 4 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
  • Geoff warns Ilya to moderate his projections, emphasizing the need for safeguards, but the idealistic Russian is swept up in the vast potential of AI — to solve the climate crisis, cure cancer, even save humanity from itself.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Just in the nick of time, our AI challenges are solved and the future of humanity is safe from extinction.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of humanity
Noun
  • Her legacy of compassion and understanding will live on in her charities Childline and the Silverline, and through those of us who were lucky enough to love and be loved by her.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Are any of them capturing its denizens with a compassion their subjects can’t themselves reciprocate?
    — Ryan Chapman, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of compassion
Noun
  • Lee, meanwhile, is magnificent in a role requiring similar kindness, only laced with loneliness and loss.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Amagda Pérez Amagda Pérez advocates for immigrants and farmworkers with kindness, respect and determination.
    — The Sacramento Bee staff, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • Brockman’s message received 40 hearts, five checkmarks, and three thank-you emojis.
    — Garrison Lovely, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Many dietary recommendations overlap with long-standing heart-health advice, such as eating more fruits, vegetables and fish.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Humanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humanism. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on humanism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about humanism

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