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as in responsible
being the one who must meet an obligation or suffer the consequences for failing to do so the owner of a pet is liable for any damage that that pet might do

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective liable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of liable are exposed, open, prone, sensitive, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

When is it sensible to use exposed instead of liable?

The words exposed and liable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

In what contexts can open take the place of liable?

While the synonyms open and liable are close in meaning, open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When might prone be a better fit than liable?

The meanings of prone and liable largely overlap; however, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

When would sensitive be a good substitute for liable?

While in some cases nearly identical to liable, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When is subject a more appropriate choice than liable?

In some situations, the words subject and liable are roughly equivalent. However, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

When could susceptible be used to replace liable?

The synonyms susceptible and liable are sometimes interchangeable, but susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable.

very susceptible to flattery

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 liable Companies can be held liable for errors made by AI agents using an invalid healthcare protocol, maintenance document or company policy. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 Simpson was found civilly liable and went to prison for an unrelated robbery more than a decade later. Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025 However, the absence of formal requirements means that the owner of the sole proprietorship can be personally liable for the business’s debts and obligations, including tax bills and legal awards. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 The jury found the county, Spitzer and Nelson liable for $3 million in damages, including $1.5 million for past emotional distress. Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for liable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liable
Adjective
  • Vulnerability: Dependence on encryption methods makes our personal information susceptible to quantum attacks.
    Jackie Shoback, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Justin Strnad played a ton last year and mostly held up well, but relying on him and Cody Barton for a big chunk of last year after Singleton tore his ACL is part of what made the Broncos more susceptible in the middle of the field as the season went along.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • The industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, consumes over 141 billion cubic meters of water annually, and contributes 35% of ocean microplastics—issues Gen Z and Millennials seem to overlook.
    Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • Hamas is responsible for capturing 251 hostages in the attack, as well as four hostages that preceded the attack, according to the outlet.
    Mackenzie Thomas, The Washington Examiner, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Avoid direct sun exposure: Protect yourself and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2025
  • Critics argue that these immigration raids instill fear in vulnerable communities and may infringe on constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • With the hot and humid conditions, ozone levels will become unhealthy for sensitive groups (people with lung disease, young children, older adults, etc.).
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • The observatory’s mirror design, sensitive camera and telescope speed are all the first of its kind, enabling Rubin to spot tiny, faint objects such as asteroids.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • The west side of your house is more exposed, thus hotter than the east side.
    Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
  • Rifkin noticed some exposed brick in the back of the store.
    Robert Sullivan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Premiums have skyrocketed, and coverage has shrunk, especially in wildfire and storm prone regions, exacerbating economic disruption and housing unaffordability.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • Machine washable Shower curtain liners are prone to building up with soap scum and mildew if not cleaned regularly.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Liable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liable. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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