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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 Failure to do so may be considered negligence or make the company legally liable for any harm that results. PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2025 California made the most sense as a starting point because of its historic extended producer responsibility, or EPR, legislation—the first in the United States to hold textile producers liable for the cost of their products’ entire life cycle, including their diversion and disposal. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 1 Oct. 2025 Charles Ochlech filed the lawsuit Friday, stating Family Dollar was negligent and liable for the building conditions that led to his injuries. Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2025 Legal protections, including a federal law known as Section 230, provide tech platforms with wide latitude to make their own content moderation decisions without being held liable for those decisions, however controversial. Bobby Allyn, NPR, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for liable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liable
Adjective
  • Avoid using a trimmer or weed whacker close to tree trunks, as these tools may damage bark and leave fruit trees more susceptible to disease.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025
  • In some cases, immunity from prior vaccination may have diminished over time, leaving them more susceptible if vaccine coverage falls and infections spread more widely.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The team member, who was responsible for the safe conduct of releasing car 16, misjudged the situation and gave unclear instructions to LEC, who could not see NOR’s car.
    Lydia Mee, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Launched in 2007 in the Argentinian Andes, the Sanin Project represents an 18-year journey dedicated to biodiversity conservation, community empowerment and the responsible sourcing of natural fibers.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Patrick Mahomes and the reigning AFC champion Chiefs look more vulnerable than in years past and are just 2-2 entering Monday night’s game against the Jaguars.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The people who are most vulnerable to the hard-to-breathe air that comes with climate change may inadvertently be adding to the problem, new research finds.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Options may include topical corticosteroids or nonsteroidal immunomodulators, which are often used on sensitive areas or for long-term control.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Made without parabens, soaps or alcohols, the hypoallergenic wipes are great for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The eggs are the first fossils to be reliably dated from the Qinglongshan fossil reserve, which includes three sites containing more than 3,000 eggs, the majority of which are semi-exposed and preserved in 3D, with their original shapes largely intact.
    Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Homes with high flood risk sold for lower prices while buyers paid more for those that were less exposed.
    Bloomberg, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Grealish, no longer prone, headed, just like Moyes, to the South Stand and appeared to blow a kiss to adoring fans.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • During heavy rainfall, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Liable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liable. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on liable

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