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
as in low
belonging to the class of people of low social or economic rank
a humble peasant girl who claimed she was chosen by God to restore the French king to his throne
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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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as in to humiliate
to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes
Philip was utterly humbled by a crushing defeat in the first round of the state chess tournament
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as in discrediting
to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes
Philip was utterly humbled by a crushing defeat in the first round of the state chess tournament
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in humiliating
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as in humiliation
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of humbling
Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2025
Chelsea may go into the new Premier League campaign wearing a gold badge on their shirts that marks them out as reigning world champions after their triumph in the United States last month but, internally, the message from the club hierarchy is to stay humble and keep working.
—Liam Twomey, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
In some versions of the tale, the wolf scurries off to the forest while the three pigs live happily ever after in humble homesteads of their choice.
—Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
The rookie apologized to his father, Deion Sanders, and even offered some humble remarks on his outing.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
The story of Lyricist Lounge is one of humble beginnings that grew into global brand recognition, one absorbed by a niche yet far-reaching audience that continues to expand as the eras go by.
—Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Illness devastates the novel’s humble, endearing protagonist, who bravely crosses class boundaries in her enthralling search for peace.
—Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025
He is known for his mastery of natural glazes, mentorship of other artists, and dedication to a humble life despite his professional success.
—Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2025
Mike McGlinchey praised his humble confidence and ability to stay on time and on target.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 6 Aug. 2025
Sam Cunningham, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025
Even with decades of experience under his belt, the ocean has continued to humble Hansen — most notably during a terrifying moment when his boat began to ice over in sub-zero conditions.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2025
That was really the thing that was so great about that time for me is that I was really humbled by that place, man.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 30 July 2025
It’s been truly humbling to see our dream become tangible.
—Blaine Callahan, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2025
Especially in the wake of the humbling 40-22 loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX that dashed the quest to become the first team to win three straight Super Bowls.
—Kansas City Star, 18 July 2025
There's something uniquely humbling about pounding the pavement for over 26 miles.
—Henry Fan, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Look down and there’s another scene: America’s power players – rich guys humbled by the task of thwacking a 1.62-ounce sphere from one spot to another.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 31 July 2025
Had to humble the rookie class with their first Madden Ratings!
—Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
Verb
The film stars Mark Feuerstein as Rabbi Mo, a humble leader in a high-desert Jewish community who is thrust into the role of reluctant warrior after a violent attack shakes his world.
—Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2025
Chelsea may go into the new Premier League campaign wearing a gold badge on their shirts that marks them out as reigning world champions after their triumph in the United States last month but, internally, the message from the club hierarchy is to stay humble and keep working.
—Liam Twomey, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
In some versions of the tale, the wolf scurries off to the forest while the three pigs live happily ever after in humble homesteads of their choice.
—Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
The rookie apologized to his father, Deion Sanders, and even offered some humble remarks on his outing.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
The story of Lyricist Lounge is one of humble beginnings that grew into global brand recognition, one absorbed by a niche yet far-reaching audience that continues to expand as the eras go by.
—Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Illness devastates the novel’s humble, endearing protagonist, who bravely crosses class boundaries in her enthralling search for peace.
—Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025
He is known for his mastery of natural glazes, mentorship of other artists, and dedication to a humble life despite his professional success.
—Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2025
Mike McGlinchey praised his humble confidence and ability to stay on time and on target.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
One hundred days ago, I was humbled to once again take the oath of office as mayor of Waukegan.
—Sam Cunningham, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025
Even with decades of experience under his belt, the ocean has continued to humble Hansen — most notably during a terrifying moment when his boat began to ice over in sub-zero conditions.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2025
That was really the thing that was so great about that time for me is that I was really humbled by that place, man.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 30 July 2025
It’s been truly humbling to see our dream become tangible.
—Blaine Callahan, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2025
Especially in the wake of the humbling 40-22 loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX that dashed the quest to become the first team to win three straight Super Bowls.
—Kansas City Star, 18 July 2025
There's something uniquely humbling about pounding the pavement for over 26 miles.
—Henry Fan, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Look down and there’s another scene: America’s power players – rich guys humbled by the task of thwacking a 1.62-ounce sphere from one spot to another.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 31 July 2025
Had to humble the rookie class with their first Madden Ratings!
—Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humbling
Noun
-
Once opened, maple syrup should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent mold growth and flavor degradation.—
Heather Riske,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Aug. 2025
-
Suppression repair is a critical part of firefighting efforts, to reduce erosion and soil degradation in the areas used in the firefighting efforts.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
For durability, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is IP68 rated and can fully withstand dust and water.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Metro Phoenix faces about a 30% chance of storms during the evening of Aug. 22, along with gusty winds up to 35 mph and pockets of blowing dust.—
Hayleigh Evans,
AZCentral.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Humbling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humbling. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.
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