sensitive

adjective

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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 combination a 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

Synonyms for sensitive

Synonyms: Adjective

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 In that same vein, be sensitive to the fact that people’s activity needs vary day to day. — Jessamyn Stanley, SELF, 11 Jan. 2022 People who have metabolic conditions can be sensitive to the weather, like diabetes, for example, and heart disease. — Kristen Rogers, CNN, 10 Jan. 2022 In addition to the possibility that Omicron spreads aggressively in the throat and mouth than in the nose, there is also evidence rapid tests may be less sensitive to detecting the highly contagious variant, the FDA said last week. — Corryn Wetzel, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2022 For people who are sensitive to the taste of iodine, kosher salt may have a more pleasing flavor. — Paul Stephen, San Antonio Express-News, 10 Jan. 2022 But Chinese authorities are extremely sensitive to criticism of everything from the country’s human rights record and its role in the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic to insults of China’s efforts during the Korean War. — Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2022 That said, the FDA has acknowledged that certain rapid antigen tests may be less sensitive to the Omicron variant, prompting speculation that there's got to be a better way. — Elizabeth Narins, Health.com, 7 Jan. 2022 Robusta, on the other hand, is easier to grow in warmer climates but is particularly sensitive to drought. — Ryan Lenora Brown, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Jan. 2022 Bowden and Teague are correctly sensitive to this tendency. — Jacob Bacharach, The New Republic, 4 Jan. 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun In particular, investors should avoid those bonds that are considered interest-rate sensitive. — Brian Menickella, Forbes, 8 Nov. 2021 Rodriguez said the free streaming plan would be an ideal way to reach his target audience, which is young, tech savvy and price sensitive. — Ed Stockly, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2021 Rodriguez said the free streaming plan would be an ideal way to reach his target audience, which is young, tech savvy and price sensitive. — Ed Stockly, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2021 Rodriguez said the free streaming plan would be an ideal way to reach his target audience, which is young, tech savvy and price sensitive. — Ed Stockly, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2021 Rodriguez said the free streaming plan would be an ideal way to reach his target audience, which is young, tech savvy and price sensitive. — Ed Stockly, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2021 Rodriguez said the free streaming plan would be an ideal way to reach his target audience, which is young, tech savvy and price sensitive. — Ed Stockly, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2021 Rodriguez said the free streaming plan would be an ideal way to reach his target audience, which is young, tech savvy and price sensitive. — Ed Stockly, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2021 Rodriguez said the free streaming plan would be an ideal way to reach his target audience, which is young, tech savvy and price sensitive. — Ed Stockly, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2021

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.

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Last Updated

17 Jan 2022

Cite this Entry

“Sensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensitive. Accessed 25 Jan. 2022.

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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