humble 1 of 2

Definition of humblenext
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
The Braddock’s culinary journey began in 2012 with humble beginnings. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 7 Jan. 2026 Laxness combines folklore and myth with humble details of the natural world in this delightful novel. Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
At every turn, there’s someone trying to humble a woman. Essence, 5 Jan. 2026 Both left office humbled, burdened with lousy poll numbers and facing a well of deep voter discontent. Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for humble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humble
Adjective
  • Just a meek statement requesting support for peaceful protest from the same regime that will imprison its citizens even for the thought of it.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Born in a stable among animals, Jesus entered the world humble and meek, not with the grandeur of a king.
    Nicole Russell, USA Today, 25 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • The research team highlighted that beyond water harvesting, these coatings could help reduce urban heat island effects, lower energy needs for air-conditioning and provide climate-resilient water sources in regions facing growing heat and water stress.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
  • When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • After all, the deal — for a long-forsaken project, an action-comedy franchise starring two aging stars — underscores the servile fealty of new Paramount owners Larry and David Ellison amid their recent maneuvering to take control of TikTok and Warner Bros. Discovery (the latter seemingly futile).
    Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 6 Dec. 2025
  • Earlier this year, my colleague and bud Kelefa Sanneh suggested that music critics, as a lot, have gone soft—becoming submissive, overly agreeable, and, in some cases, nearly servile.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • And videotaping it to humiliate them.
    CBS News, CBS News, 21 Dec. 2025
  • She had never been arrested before and felt humiliated when her mugshot was plastered all over the news after her arrest.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • In Gaza’s Shati refugee camp, my grandfather built a modest shack, brick by brick, on the spot where his tent was erected.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Despite its status as a bustling urban center, Nya Lödöse clearly retained its agricultural roots; consequently, the open, semi-rural structure of the southern section included agricultural plots, modest houses, and gardens.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Two nights after falling at lowly Washington, the Magic beat the Nets for the eighth straight time to improve to 21-17.
    CBS News, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Even the lowly Atlanta Thrashers had that weird week of Chris Chelios.
    Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Last year, those three forwards on the court at the same time were an abject nightmare that took basketball back to the early aughts.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025
  • His hair is the kind of shaggy that suggests abject neglect more than overpriced Hollywood coiffure.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In this case, focusing on a dress versus the altruistic work Turner is doing feels like an attempt to discredit that very noble work.
    Essence, Essence, 5 Jan. 2026
  • Continue reading … ‘COMPLETELY FAILED’ – CNN mocked for ‘effort to discredit’ Minnesota daycare fraud reporting.
    , FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Humble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humble. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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