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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
Rifkin noticed some exposed brick in the back of the store. Robert Sullivan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025 The departure of that critical support leaves communities such as Tumi’s more exposed. Elizabeth Dickinson, Foreign Affairs, 8 May 2025
Verb
The company was dealt a major blow by a five-month data breach in 2023 that exposed the personal data of almost seven million customers. William Gavin, Quartz, 24 Mar. 2025 Last year, 23andMe agreed to pay $30 million in cash to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing the company of failing to protect customers whose personal information was exposed in this breach. Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exposed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exposed
Adjective
  • Vulnerability: Dependence on encryption methods makes our personal information susceptible to quantum attacks.
    Jackie Shoback, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Justin Strnad played a ton last year and mostly held up well, but relying on him and Cody Barton for a big chunk of last year after Singleton tore his ACL is part of what made the Broncos more susceptible in the middle of the field as the season went along.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • In return, taxpayers received a 90% conviction rate, over 2,600 investigations initiated, more than $1.2 billion in asset seizures, $1.7 billion in restitution, and $9 billion in uncovered fraud.
    Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Marlena called the state hotline instead, after seeing her infant nephew left playing alone with a cup of water and an uncovered outlet.
    Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Without proper documentation and preparation, families face difficult decisions during medical emergencies, potential exploitation of vulnerable members, and devastating conflicts that can create lasting family rifts.
    Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Avoid direct sun exposure: Protect yourself and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Known for documenting her experiences on over 60 cruises, her journey aboard Global Mercy showcased a stark contrast to her usual floating escapes—and revealed how cruise ship design and operations underpin this vital humanitarian effort.
    David Nikel, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Later in May, it was revealed that a writers’ room would begin this past summer to develop two more seasons of the show.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Additionally, privacy, data security and intellectual property concerns must be addressed when handling sensitive or unpublished research material.
    Beth Worthy, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • With the hot and humid conditions, ozone levels will become unhealthy for sensitive groups (people with lung disease, young children, older adults, etc.).
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Plums make their presence known along roadsides and in natural areas in spring when fragrant white blooms cover their bare branches.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
  • It’s been players like Goldschmidt, Trent Grisham and Ben Rice that have offered Judge the bare minimum necessary support to keep them in front of the AL East.
    Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Hawks ended up trading the No. 13 pick to the New Orleans Pelicans for the No. 23 pick and what could be a very valuable unprotected 2026 first-round pick.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025
  • The real head-scratcher came Wednesday night when New Orleans traded up from No. 23 to No. 13 with the Atlanta Hawks to take Maryland big man Derik Queen — and gave up a 2026 unprotected first-round pick in the process.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • In 2024, more than 100,000 pounds of turkey kielbasa products were recalled after the product was discovered to have fragments of bone inside.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Foreign objects being discovered in food is a relatively rare recall reason, with more common reasons including bacterial or viral contamination or the presence of undeclared allergens.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exposed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exposed. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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