exposed 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈspōzd How to pronounce exposed (audio)
Definition of exposednext
1
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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2
as in uncovered
lacking a usual or natural covering the exposed electrical wires were a safety hazard

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3
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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exposed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of expose
1
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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2
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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3
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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4
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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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
In the cozy space, with its exposed brick walls and leather booths, Libretto had a supper club feel, with waves of music washing over you from the large Steinway just a few yards away. —Melinda Fulmer, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2025 Any smartphone can take a perfectly exposed, sharp, technically correct snapshot. —Rupesh Dabbir, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
Children are exposed to far more stimulation naturally from microbes than from vaccines. —NPR, 7 Nov. 2025 Ultimately, each family in the society made their own decisions about linguistic education, and the children grew up exposed to various different languages at home, but none of them was universal in the commune. —Big Think, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exposed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exposed
  1. susceptible
  2. uncovered
  3. vulnerable
  4. revealed
  5. displayed
  6. exhibited
  7. sensitive
  8. bare
Adjective
  • The deterioration in the labor market has been concentrated in payroll employment, which is the [datapoint] that is the most susceptible to demographic and immigration changes.
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2025
  • However, Arizona's hot and dry desert climate made Gilbert susceptible to drought and wildfires, causing the low ranking in natural disaster risk.
    — Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Definition of susceptible
Adjective
  • Several boxes of food were on the floor of the walk-in cooler, the can opener was dirty and some food was stored uncovered or without a date label.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Nov. 2025
  • The figures incorporated a $907 billion hit to covered companies with the remainder to uncovered firms as well as private equity and venture capital.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2025
Definition of uncovered
Adjective
  • The team highlighted that perovskite materials remain vulnerable to moisture, oxygen, ultraviolet light, and temperature fluctuations, all of which degrade performance over time.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Song, her actors, and her crew were in constant dialogue about their own romantic lives, prioritizing a level of vulnerable, authentic experience to inform Materialists’ complex modern spirit.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2025
Definition of vulnerable
Verb
  • The season 2 finale introduced a dizzying cheating scandal that revealed even more cracks in the ever-cratering friend group.
    — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Their excavations revealed no signs of a social hierarchy, such as statues of specific individuals.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
Definition of revealed
Verb
  • Brown said the store is in a small car port attached to the garage, and the produce is displayed on tables and in refrigerated cases.
    — Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025
  • As both a player and in his post-playing career, Craig has displayed an ability to elevate those around him.
    — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Definition of displayed
Verb
  • The main stars were the hundreds of cattle exhibited in that year’s livestock show.
    — Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Sabrya Meflah, president of Fine Fragrances at International Flavors & Fragrances, who exhibited at the fair with its SENS Perfumery Studio, said the Middle Eastern influence on global fragrance is transformative.
    — Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025
Definition of exhibited
Adjective
  • This includes women with estrogen sensitive breast or uterine cancer, and women who are at high risk for or have had a heart attack, stroke, blood clot, or pulmonary embolism.
    — Allison Aubrey, NPR, 11 Nov. 2025
  • In insulin resistance, the body's cells become less sensitive to insulin, which leads to higher blood sugar levels.
    — Leigh Weddle, Verywell Health, 11 Nov. 2025
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • Several of the most striking photographs in the book are of the studio itself, which appears empty except for a pair of high heels reflected in a wall of mirrors or a rumpled military blanket, a favorite backdrop, pinned to a bare wall.
    — Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2025
  • But as recently as two years ago, the Boston pitching cupboard was almost bare.
    — Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
Definition of bare

Browse Nearby Words

expose
exposed
exposer
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Cite this Entry

“Exposed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exposed. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

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