anthropomorphic

adjective

an·​thro·​po·​mor·​phic ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-fik 

1

: described or thought of as having a human form or human attributes

anthropomorphic deities

stories involving anthropomorphic animals

2

: ascribing human characteristics to nonhuman things

anthropomorphic supernaturalism

anthropomorphic beliefs about nature

anthropomorphically

ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-fi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Did you know?

As word lovers, we are endlessly fascinated by the uniqueness and complexity of human language. Many species use sounds and gestures to communicate with one another, but the ability to speak in full sentences, to share abstract ideas, and to write and tell stories is distinctly anthropic. Brilliant though dogs may be, they can’t verbalize their hopes and dreams. That is, unless those dogs are anthropomorphic—a trait common in works of fiction. From chatty chiweenies to tangoing tapirs, depictions of anthropomorphic animals abound thanks to our creative superpowers.

Examples of anthropomorphic in a Sentence

a story in which the characters are anthropomorphic animals

Recent Examples on the Web

With the right story hook, gameplay overhaul, and look, a team of anthropomorphic animals taking on galactic evildoers with agile spaceships in a fun and colorful sci-fi setting feels like an easy win — especially for a company like Nintendo. —Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2026

So there’s the anthropomorphic piece, but there’s also the intrusiveness piece. —Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026

Daniel is a 4-year-old anthropomorphic tiger navigating Kindergarten alongside classmates who are animals and humans from various backgrounds. —Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 6 Apr. 2026

The strip explored the life of a group of cavemen and their anthropomorphic animals and dinosaurs in prehistoric times, and has been in production for nearly 70 years, currently managed by Hart’s family. —Arushi Jacob, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek anthrōpómorphos "having human form" (from anthrōpo- anthropo- + -morphos -morphous) + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for anthropomorphic

• homeomorphic
• automorphic
• geomorphic
• holomorphic
• homomorphic
• isomorphic
• meromorphic
• metamorphic
• monomorphic
• polymorphic
• dimorphic
• dysmorphic

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