humanism
noun
hu·man·ism
ˈhyü-mə-ˌni-zəm 
ˈyü-
1
a
: devotion to the humanities : literary culture
b
: the revival of classical letters, individualistic and critical spirit, and emphasis on secular concerns characteristic of the Renaissance
2
: devotion to human welfare : humanitarianism
renowned for his humanism
3
: a doctrine, attitude, or way of life centered on human interests or values
especially
: a philosophy that usually rejects supernaturalism and stresses an individual's dignity and worth and capacity for self-realization through reason : secular humanism
Examples of humanism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Tina Fey communicated moral authority by shredding the misogyny of the 2000s; Seth Meyers brought a wry humanism while also coming off like the world’s most exasperated MSNBC addict; Norm MacDonald crossed every possible line and didn’t seem too worried about it.
—
Michael Tedder, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025
The first non-Italian Pope in 450 years, the Pole spoke about tennis as an instrument of humanism and solidarity.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
His account begins in the Spanish colonial period, when Spaniards and other Europeans debated the philosophical underpinnings of conquest and slavery, setting in motion an ideological battle between humanism and barbarism which, Grandin thinks, continues to this day.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2025
Their short stories and novels confront a changing world where globalization and technology may threaten to blot out our inherent humanism.
—Emma Alpern, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for humanism
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Michael Tedder, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025
The first non-Italian Pope in 450 years, the Pole spoke about tennis as an instrument of humanism and solidarity.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
His account begins in the Spanish colonial period, when Spaniards and other Europeans debated the philosophical underpinnings of conquest and slavery, setting in motion an ideological battle between humanism and barbarism which, Grandin thinks, continues to this day.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2025
Their short stories and novels confront a changing world where globalization and technology may threaten to blot out our inherent humanism.
—Emma Alpern, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for humanism
Cite this Entry
“Humanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humanism. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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