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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
The virus exposed at least 26 other people in the hospital that January day, federal investigators determined. Andrew Jones, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026 In the European Union, the Digital Services and AI acts aim to reduce the harmful content users are exposed to, especially young people – by prosecuting tech companies that fail to stop the spread of harmful and abusive content on their platforms. Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exposed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exposed
Adjective
  • The decision to die is drastic and irreversible; should it really be left up to a young person whose brain is still developing, and who is susceptible to influence by peers and authority figures?
    Charles Lane, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Cats are also very susceptible to acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisoning, which causes liver damage and impairs the ability of blood to carry oxygen (methemoglobinemia).
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In other cases, the complaint alleges, Kinex would bundle an uncovered medical device commonly prescribed after surgery with a device that was not needed for recovery but was covered by insurance, the complaint says.
    Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The restaurant was in violation of 10 standards, including containers of uncovered food and dishes stacked wet.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • While financial precarity is often associated with lower-income households, a February 2026 analysis by consulting firm Kearney suggests many higher earners remain vulnerable as well.
    Mike Winters, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2026
  • But knowing that viewers would be seeing his romantic side was a vulnerable feeling that Withers had to prepare himself for.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The letters were mailed between March 2024 and (at least) June 2025, court documents revealed.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 17 Mar. 2026
  • War tests humanoids Foundation revealed that humanoid robots have already been sent to Ukraine for battlefield evaluation, highlighting the growing role of robotics in modern warfare.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The prosecution displayed dozens of items of evidence in front of the jury, including guns that were found during home searches and an antifa flag.
    Emerson Clarridge Updated March 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The victim was approached by four male suspects who displayed a knife and repeatedly punched him, according to law enforcement.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Previous editions, exhibited at Jeffrey Deitch and AF Projects, gave us Kenny Scharf launching the little gold man into deep space, Karon Davis recasting him as an ancient Egyptian deity and Austyn Weiner turning him into a mischievous mail-art project.
    THR Staff, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Those tracks exhibited his penchant for vocal pyrotechnics that burst into plumes of raw emotion.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Frost and freeze conditions will damage unprotected vegetation that is sensitive to freezing temperatures.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Uncompromising Hygiene and Safety Pregnant and postpartum bodies are often highly sensitive to touch and smell, so much so that, at times, otherwise minor irritations and sensations can feel overwhelming.
    Ethan Stone, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • White tile, natural wood, and bare walls often end up feeling flat and nondescript.
    Lauren Jones, The Spruce, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Every rain event that exposes bare dirt increases erosion.
    Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 15 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exposed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exposed. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

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