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

Democratic politics thrive when leaders and followers act with modesty and humility, when no one sees themselves as infallible or indispensable. —Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2026

Muslims believe in teachings of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) for love of God and neighbors, humility, love rather than retaliation, and love over hate. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026

Vulnerability, humility, and showing a genuine interest in the individuals within a team have been shown to lead to higher trust, satisfaction, and performance in teams. —Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026

Across social media and news stories, there are countless eulogies that spotlight his humility, integrity and vision. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026