sensitive

adjective

Save Word

sen·si·tive | \ ˈsen(t)-sə-tiv

, ˈsen(t)s-təv \

Definition of sensitive

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : sensory sense 2

2a : receptive to sense impressions

b : capable of being stimulated or excited by external agents (such as light, gravity, or contact) sensitive cells

3 : highly responsive or susceptible: such as

a(1) : easily hurt or damaged especially : easily hurt emotionally

(2) : delicately aware of the attitudes and feelings of others

b : excessively or abnormally susceptible : hypersensitive sensitive to egg protein

c : readily fluctuating in price or demand sensitive commodities

d : capable of indicating minute differences : delicate sensitive scales

e : readily affected or changed by various agents (such as light or mechanical shock) a photographic emulsion sensitive to red light

f : highly radiosensitive

4a : concerned with highly classified government information or involving discretionary authority over important policy matters sensitive documents

b : calling for tact, care, or caution in treatment : touchy a sensitive issue like race relations

5 : having or showing concern for a specified matter —usually used in combinationa price-sensitive customerenvironmentally sensitive policies

sensitive

noun

Definition of sensitive (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a person having occult or psychical abilities

2 : a sensitive person

Other Words from sensitive Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about sensitive

Keep scrolling for more

Choose the Right Synonym for sensitive

Adjective

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 sensitive in a Sentence

Adjective He acts like a tough guy, but he's really very sensitive to criticism. I found him to be a sensitive and caring person.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective The distribution of vaccines will be a sensitive and most likely controversial undertaking. — Bruce Jenkins, SFChronicle.com, "Be patient, Giants fans — it’s all about the Dodgers and Padres now," 2 Jan. 2021 There's the Cica line for sensitive or weakened barriers and Glow line for pumping your face full of collagen. — Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, "Medicube's Skin-Tightening Serum Makes My Pores Look Invisible," 29 Dec. 2020 The doc directed by Amy J. Berg reveals the raw, sensitive and powerful Janis Joplin beneath her rock ‘n roll persona. — Rania Aniftos, Billboard, "The Best Music Documentaries to Watch on Hulu," 28 Dec. 2020 Tibet has since become one of the most restricted and sensitive areas in the country. — The Christian Science Monitor, "Big US spending bill includes gift for Tibetans, Dalai Lama," 22 Dec. 2020 The vitamin is well tolerated by sensitive and rosacea-prone skin too thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. — Jenna Rosenstein, Harper's BAZAAR, "What Does Niacinamide Do?," 17 Dec. 2020 The steering is crisp, the brakes strong and sensitive. — Dan Neil, WSJ, "2021 Kia Sorento: Finally, an SUV That’s the Right Size for Families," 16 Dec. 2020 Coel treats these questions with a steady, sensitive, and lyrical touch—and even some levity in just the right moments. — Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, "The 15 Best TV Shows of 2020," 12 Dec. 2020 As the next seven to eight weeks unfold, you may be unduly influenced by your network of friends and overly sensitive to passing fears and doubts. — Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive, "Horoscope for Dec. 10, 2020: Gemini, you can’t please everyone; Libra, practice self-care," 10 Dec. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Because the textbook business is highly competitive and price sensitive, Chegg’s growth potential is mainly in the latter segment. — Jinjoo Lee, WSJ, "Chegg Ticks All the Right Boxes," 18 Aug. 2020 The Quiet Zone is a place where mystic scientists, gun-loving locals, and electromagnetic hyper-sensitives all live amongst one another, and Drake Equation chronicles their lives in rich detail. — Laura Mallonee, WIRED, "Want to Hunt Aliens? Go to West Virginia's Low-Tech 'Quiet Zone'," 3 May 2018 Growing sensitives over language extend to politics as well. — Michael Holtz, The Christian Science Monitor, "Amid anniversary protests, fears that Hong Kong is 'just another mainland city'," 3 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sensitive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about sensitive

Dictionary Entries near sensitive

Statistics for sensitive

Last Updated

17 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Sensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensitive. Accessed 24 Jan. 2021.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for sensitive

sensitive

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of sensitive

: easily upset by the things that people think or say about you

: likely to cause people to become upset

: aware of and understanding the feelings of other people

See the full definition for sensitive in the English Language Learners Dictionary

sensitive

adjective

sen·si·tive | \ ˈsen-sə-tiv

Kids Definition of sensitive

1 : easily or strongly affected, impressed, or hurt a sensitive child

2 : likely to affect, impress, or hurt a sensitive topic

3 : understanding of the feelings of others

4 : capable of responding to stimulation sensitive structures of the ear

5 : readily affected or changed often in an unpleasant or negative way I have sensitive skin.

sensitive

adjective

sen·si·tive | \ ˈsen(t)-sət-iv, ˈsen(t)-stiv

Medical Definition of sensitive

1 : sensory sense 2 sensitive nerves

2a : receptive to sense impressions

b : capable of being stimulated or excited by external agents (as light, gravity, or contact) a photographic emulsion sensitive to red light sensitive protoplasm

3 : highly responsive or susceptible: as

a : easily hurt or damaged sensitive skin especially : easily hurt emotionally

b : excessively or abnormally susceptible : hypersensitive sensitive to egg protein

c : capable of indicating minute differences sensitive scales

d : readily affected or changed by various agents (as light or mechanical shock) a sensitive colloid

Keep scrolling for more