as in meekly
in a manner showing no signs of pride or self-assertion
humbly accepted the criticism
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of humbly
Unlike its sprawling neighbor, Riverside Church, a few streets over, Broadway Presbyterian stands humbly on a fraction of sidewalk, with a mere four stairs leading up to its fire-engine-red doors.
—
Paige Williams, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025
Founded in 1896, the club began humbly with a nine-hole layout near Tralee before moving to Fenit Island, where golfers played against the backdrop of Barrow Harbour.
—Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
In a world often too quick to forget those who serve quietly and humbly, Roland’s story is remembered by family, friends and colleagues as one of true leadership.
—Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2025
Lan’s entrepreneurial journey began humbly.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2025
Paige Williams, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025
Founded in 1896, the club began humbly with a nine-hole layout near Tralee before moving to Fenit Island, where golfers played against the backdrop of Barrow Harbour.
—Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
In a world often too quick to forget those who serve quietly and humbly, Roland’s story is remembered by family, friends and colleagues as one of true leadership.
—Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2025
Lan’s entrepreneurial journey began humbly.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humbly
Adverb
-
City succumbed too meekly given their spine included Ruben Dias, John Stones, Rodri and Haaland at the end of the match.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
1 Sep. 2025
-
United finished 15th in the Premier League, their lowest league position since they were relegated in 1974, and surrendered meekly to Tottenham in the Europa League final.—
Dan Cancian,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
State your case clearly and as politely as possible.—
Ross Kernez,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Despite shooting down any suggestions of infidelity, she’s continued to field the questions and comments, responding politely to the seemingly never-ending queries.—
Sara Belcher,
PEOPLE,
6 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Nick, who was dressed in a crisp two-piece suit and black dress shoes, later emerges from the pool and sheepishly walks over to James to greet her.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
12 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
North American equipment purchases were modestly higher than a year ago.—
Thomas Coughlin,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Both books sold modestly, and eventually Viking let the rights revert.—
Paul Slovak
September 8,
Literary Hub,
8 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
When opportunities arise, whether lowly paid or not, we’re often left with no other choice than to take the role that pays meagerly.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
1 Sep. 2025
-
After losing to lowly Northern Illinois in the second game, Notre Dame won its final 10 regular season games against a weak slate of teams before winning three in a row in the postseason against Indiana, Georgia and Penn State.—
Tim Casey,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Humbly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humbly. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share