Synonyms of humility

humility

noun

hyü-ˈmi-lə-tē 

as in meekness

the absence of any feelings of being better than others

displaying genuine humility, the peace activist accepted the Nobel Prize on behalf of all who have worked to end the violence

Synonyms & Similar Words

• meekness
• humbleness
• lowliness
• modesty
• demureness
• quietness
• directness
• down-to-earthness
• submissiveness
• deference
• passivity
• naïveté
• acquiescence
• compliance
• submission
• timidity
• ingenuousness
• timidness
• diffidence
• plainness
• bashfulness
• sheepishness
• reserve
• resignedness
• reservedness
• shyness
• simpleness
• mousiness
• retiringness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• arrogance
• pride
• haughtiness
• egotism
• egoism
• assumption
• superiority
• loftiness
• conceit
• pomposity
• attitude
• imperiousness
• superciliousness
• presumptuousness
• hauteur
• pompousness
• pridefulness
• pretense
• assertiveness
• pretension
• pretentiousness
• lordliness
• boldness
• peremptoriness
• aggressiveness
• bumptiousness
• huffiness
• swagger
• cockiness
• brashness
• overconfidence
• forwardness
• cocksureness
• temerity
• audaciousness
• toploftiness
• cheekiness
• insolence
• impudence
• cheek
• nerve
• impertinence
• boastfulness
• vanity
• sauciness
• brassiness
• condescension
• disdain
• swash
• self-satisfaction
• self-importance
• self-conceit
• self-complacency
• self-centeredness
• scorn
• self-glorification
• self-opinion
• chest-thumping
• ostentation
• vaingloriousness
• flamboyance
• self-applause
• showiness
• ostentatiousness
• self-assumption
• self-partiality

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of humility

Abdelkarim’s humility is as evident as his youth, which is reflected in a few traces of teenage acne on his cheeks and a shy smile typical of someone who isn’t used to being the focus of media attention. — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Coach Hansi Flick lauded his humility, character, and natural instinct in the box, particularly for his second goal. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Hansard and Irglová were both musicians but non-actors, and their subdued acting choices were later praised by critics for lending a humility and credibility to Once’s plot. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026

Some elite African Americans derided her efforts and called for humility and respectability. — Literary Hub, 27 July 2026