humble 1 of 2

1
as in meek
not having or showing any feelings of superiority, self-assertiveness, or showiness a medical scientist who remained remarkably humble even after winning the Nobel Prize even though she'd been proven wrong, her attitude was still far from humble

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2
3
as in servile
showing, expressing, or offered in a spirit of humility or unseemly submissiveness please accept my humble thanks for this unexpected favor

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humble

2 of 2

verb

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 humble
Adjective
Such is the case in translating the humble t-shirt. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 6 Oct. 2025 My unique perspective as an immigrant woman from a humble background, combined with my dedication to community service and integrity, sets me apart from my opponents. Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
Little Penn would be awed and humbled. Sophie Ansari, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025 He’s never been humbled before. Leia Mendoza, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for humble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humble
Adjective
  • Pittsburgh averaged a meek 2.5 yards per carry, while the Pats chugged along at 3.4 yards on runs excluding Maye scrambles.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Doherty, 30, is playing meek flower shop assistant Seymour in the treasured musical, about a strange and unusual plant that feeds only on human flesh and blood.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For instance, if both people are eligible but one earned more, collect the lower amount first to have some cash.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Bahrain is ruled by Sunnis and has a mostly Shiite population permanently restless over its servile condition.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025
  • His servile defense secretary has threatened to deploy the military in other cities.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • An Italian activist who was part of the Gaza aid flotilla and subsequently detained by Israel has described allegations of being mistreated and humiliated while in Israeli custody, with little access to legal assistance.
    Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Even its most mean-spirited plotline, in which a married couple assemble a fake theater production to humiliate their ex-neighbor whose noisiness prompted them to move, is presented as more of a gentle exercise in silliness than anything truly vindictive.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That Sutton whipped out his limbs like Stretch Armstrong and hauled in the dart for a modest 5-yard gain seemed only like a harbinger in hindsight.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • While the amount of nutrients in a single serving may be modest, these foods provide important compounds that support a balanced diet in this healthy dish that touts complex flavors.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • By the end of the morning session, I had been turned down more times than a lowly high school sophomore trying to get a date for the prom.
    JJ Rosen, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The Knicks are entering this season with high championship aspirations, while the Bucks hope to avoid the play-in tournament and being part of the lowly Eastern Conference.
    Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In damage control mode, NBC scrambled onto the air with an abject apology.
    Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Simply put, reducing the risks of abject poverty allows workers to make better career choices.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Khan and his lawyers have contended that Netanyahu and his allies are exploiting a vulnerable woman in order to discredit the case against the Israeli leaders.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Felt, in classic Hoover fashion, then leaked information to discredit Gray, hoping to replace him.
    Douglas M. Charles, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Humble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humble. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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