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
The basic classical ideal, meanwhile, living well through the cultivation of virtue within a just society, got filtered through Christian theology and Renaissance humanism and came to provide the idea of happiness with ethical contours.
—
January Lavoy Krish Seenivasan Ted Blaisdell, New York Times, 3 May 2025
The latter work, intentionally or not, looms over this drama with its similar structure and similarly chest-thumping-yet-vague humanism.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025
Despite their warmth and humanism, his films can sometimes seem scathing or pessimistic — tragic comedies sculpted from the granite of American life.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025
The pastor initially sees him as a person in need but comes to believe that divine revelations have revealed him as a demon deserving the ultimate punishment, whereas the detective begins with total condemnation but has to move towards humanism.
—Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Mar. 2025
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January Lavoy Krish Seenivasan Ted Blaisdell, New York Times, 3 May 2025
The latter work, intentionally or not, looms over this drama with its similar structure and similarly chest-thumping-yet-vague humanism.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025
Despite their warmth and humanism, his films can sometimes seem scathing or pessimistic — tragic comedies sculpted from the granite of American life.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025
The pastor initially sees him as a person in need but comes to believe that divine revelations have revealed him as a demon deserving the ultimate punishment, whereas the detective begins with total condemnation but has to move towards humanism.
—Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Mar. 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 22 May. 2025.
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