EXPOSED Synonyms: 210 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'exposed' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of exposed are liable , open , prone , sensitive , subject , and susceptible . While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening. // exposed to infection

Q: When would 'liable' be a good substitute for 'exposed'?

The synonyms liable and exposed are sometimes interchangeable, but liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation. // liable to get lost

Q: When is 'open' a more appropriate choice than 'exposed'?

While in some cases nearly identical to exposed , open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence. // a claim open to question

Q: When might 'prone' be a better fit than 'exposed'?

Although the words prone and exposed have much in common, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something. // prone to delay

Q: Where would 'sensitive' be a reasonable alternative to 'exposed'?

The words sensitive and exposed can be used in similar contexts, but sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli. // unduly sensitive to criticism

Q: When is it sensible to use 'subject' instead of 'exposed'?

The meanings of subject and exposed largely overlap; however, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone. // all reports are subject to review

Q: When can 'susceptible' be used instead of 'exposed'?

The words susceptible and exposed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable. // very susceptible to flattery

exposed 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈspōzd

Definition of exposed next

as in susceptible

being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm without our immune systems we'd be exposed to all sorts of deadly infections

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in uncovered

lacking a usual or natural covering the exposed electrical wires were a safety hazard

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vulnerable

lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack the soldiers were so exposed in the open field that they were the proverbial sitting ducks

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

exposed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of expose

as in disclosed

to reveal the true nature of a well-researched article that exposes the UFO story as a hoax

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in revealed

to make known (as information previously kept secret) the documentary claims to expose how winners of beauty pageants are really picked

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in displayed

to make known (something abstract) through outward signs the tight race for the championship exposed one team's mean streak

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in exhibited

to present so as to invite notice or attention I didn't want to expose my ignorance in front of the others, so I kept silent

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective exposed contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of exposed are liable, open, prone, sensitive, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

When would liable be a good substitute for exposed?

The synonyms liable and exposed are sometimes interchangeable, but liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

When is open a more appropriate choice than exposed?

While in some cases nearly identical to exposed, open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When might prone be a better fit than exposed?

Although the words prone and exposed have much in common, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

Where would sensitive be a reasonable alternative to exposed?

The words sensitive and exposed can be used in similar contexts, but sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When is it sensible to use subject instead of exposed?

The meanings of subject and exposed largely overlap; however, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

When can susceptible be used instead of exposed?

The words susceptible and exposed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 exposed

Adjective

Prep Your Home’s Exterior Winterizing is an important step to protect exposed infrastructure from damage caused by cold temperatures or heavy snowfall. —

Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2025 The map below shows the percentage of passes played into different zones against United compared to their six-season Premier League average, with their exposed central area standing out since Amorim took charge. —

Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025

Verb

By chasing the top of the barbell, companies like Starbucks and Target have exposed their earnings to the specific volatility of the affluent consumer. —

Katica Roy, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026 Avoid narrow, exposed trails during icy or windy conditions. —

Julie Sharp, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exposed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exposed

Adjective

The human brain is highly susceptible to often unproductive mind-wandering, and modern technology has only made the problem worse.

— Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 7 Jan. 2026
Common Pests and Diseases Like all plants, hoyas can be susceptible to pests and diseases.

— SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026

Definition of susceptible

Browse Nearby Words

expose

exposed

exposer

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Exposed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exposed. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.

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Last Updated: 17 Jan 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of exposed

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verb

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