exposed 1 of 2

Definition of exposednext
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exposed

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verb

past tense of expose
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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

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
During that intrusion, the attacker discovered an exposed API that could be used to access customer information linked to 700Credit's dealership clients. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Dec. 2025 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
Verb
First, in the pretreatment step, the sludge was heated to high temperatures and exposed to oxygen. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026 The researchers exposed about 8,000 rice seeds submerged in water—their preferred growing condition—to rain sounds. K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exposed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exposed
Adjective
  • Just like any living creature, trees are susceptible to diseases.
    Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Because there’s something about Toni Collette as a charismatic cult leader offering you a framework for your rage that feels like something Mae Martin would be susceptible to.
    Brittany Delay, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • An uncovered pinch by Ian Moore created a jail break and, to compound matters, Moore was an onlooker as Suter hammered the puck.
    Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Williams sued American Demolition and uncovered years of safety issues.
    Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • All these species are far more vulnerable to a hook because of FFS.
    Mike McFeely, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The tracks are more vulnerable, biting, and self-aware than ever, and in some cases, feature lyrics pulled right out of Hjelt’s diary.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • When the investigation was completed in 2018, it was revealed that no criminal charges could be filed.
    Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Three Georgia State Patrol troopers and their supervisor were fired from the department after an investigation revealed a scheme where officers used insurance claims to profit off of vehicle chases, an internal report concluded.
    Asia Simone Burns, AJC.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • According to Wolcott Animal Control, the dog displayed no obvious signs of trauma such as being hit by car, broken bones, gun shot wounds or other external injuries.
    Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Today, Tiny is typically displayed on ground level elsewhere in the park during Fright Fest, presumably under the watchful eyes of security cameras.
    Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In 1978, Topa Topa once again made history by being the first California condor to be exhibited to the public, raising awareness of the endangered species.
    Julie Sharp, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
  • In 2021, scientists at the Kea Animal Minds Lab at the University of Auckland studied Bruce and other non-disabled kea and found that Bruce exhibited unusual preening behavior to compensate for his missing upper beak.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This was essentially a copy of the main laser beam, used as a sensitive probe to detect tiny fluctuations that the main system couldn’t easily see.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Berries, leafy greens, and other fresh fruits and vegetables are also particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations.
    Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Where people will walk in bare feet, use smooth concrete or stone pavers.
    Elizabeth Jardina, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Go beyond the bare minimum when selecting furniture for your patio.
    Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 19 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exposed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exposed. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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