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

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
Some exposed Artifacts also contained software code and employee work notes. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026 The appeal lies in watching urban Stockholm gradually give way to holiday homes, wooded islands and finally the more exposed landscape of the outer archipelago. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Verb
The impact could extend well beyond companies most directly exposed to the unrest, said Kevin Thozet, portfolio advisor and member of the investment committee at Carmignac. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026 In the latest example of this phenomenon, Burger King's Japanese division disclosed a data breach that exposed the email addresses, names, phone numbers, dates of birth, genders, and places of residence of 11 million customers. — Kim Key, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exposed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exposed
Adjective
  • Tom describes himself as uniquely susceptible to this kind of stimulation, something that Kenny, the Mount Sinai neuroscientist, says may have some credence.
    — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The United States also has a uniquely large and diverse economy that is far less susceptible to shocks than many of its smaller peers.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In 2023, a federal audit flagged serious pesticide incidents in half a dozen counties and uncovered patchwork oversight by agricultural commissioners.
    — Robert J. Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Moore added a pair of long passing touchdowns, one to an uncovered Dakorien Moore on a busted coverage, and another down the sideline to Stewart to complete a 28-point first quarter.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The fact is, the bill helps to preserve Medicaid for those who need it most, including low-income families, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • But that leaves the intricate energy system vulnerable to shocks.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Structural studies revealed wide-open cavities that accommodate large plastic polymers.
    — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Related Stories Applegate revealed her diagnosis in August 2021, at age 49, sharing publicly that she had been diagnosed a few months ago.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Airbnb, which connects travelers with more than 5 million hosts globally, has advised hosts to choose from seven standard house rules that will be displayed prominently on the listing page.
    — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Hermès has broadened the selection of products displayed on its e-commerce platform, including leather goods, to better reflect the range available to customers.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Gates, who now stewards the photographic archives and periodicals of the Johnson Publishing Company, has exhibited it in different forms.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The investigation also found no evidence that the parents exhibited any obvious signs of impairment, the office said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Some highly sensitive issues include relations with the European Union and Russia, but the primary focus will be dealing with corruption.
    — JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • There may be time-sensitive observations or decisions that need to be made before any instruction could arrive.
    — Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • If a cool room and bare feet work for you, don’t change anything.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
  • It's also laid bare the downsides of depending on a single provider for satellite internet communications, though other options are not yet comparable to SpaceX's Starlink and its military-grade Starshield offering.
    — Annie Palmer,Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exposed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exposed. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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