exposed

adjective

ex·​posed ik-ˈspōzd 

1

: open to view

2

: not shielded or protected

also : not insulated

an exposed electric wire

Synonyms

• endangered
• liable
• open
• sensitive
• subject (to)
• susceptible
• vulnerable

Choose the Right Synonym for exposed

liable, open, exposed, subject, prone, susceptible, sensitive 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

open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable.

very susceptible to flattery

sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

Examples of exposed in a Sentence

without our immune systems we'd be exposed to all sorts of deadly infections

the exposed electrical wires were a safety hazard

Recent Examples on the Web

And, while the ball was mid-air, Zwolle’s attackers were to sprint to the penalty area to meet it on the way down and, ideally, stick it past an exposed goalkeeper. —Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025

The ceiling appears damaged, with exposed beams, and the windows are now boarded up with plywood. —Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2025

But Ukraine’s current dependence on this system leaves it very exposed. —Jack Watling, Foreign Affairs, 24 Mar. 2025

Yes, but: There are ways to remain exposed, if somewhat more indirectly. —Brady Dale, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for exposed

• decomposed
• discomposed
• indisposed
• interposed
• juxtaposed
• predisposed
• presupposed
• reimposed
• superposed
• undisclosed
• undisposed
• unenclosed