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
Yes, but: There are ways to remain exposed, if somewhat more indirectly. —Brady Dale, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025 By placing the host in an exposed, elevated position, the fungus maximizes its chances of dispersing spores effectively. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Mar. 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
  1. susceptible
  2. uncovered
  3. vulnerable
  4. revealed
  5. sensitive
  6. bare
  7. unprotected
  8. discovered
Adjective
  • But the ride for Palantir has been far from smooth, and shares have been susceptible to volatile swings.
    — Samantha Subin, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Tovar, for example, researches specific genes that make people more susceptible to diabetes, which affects about 38 million Americans, including some who don't respond well to existing treatments.
    — Brett Kelman, NPR, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of susceptible
Adjective
  • The profile — and an uncovered logo on the stringing machine in Dubai — suggests a Babolat Pure Aero 98 model, which Alcaraz also wields.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Celestial Park, with its wide stretches of concrete pathways, and Isle of Berk, with its meandering walkways and uncovered queues, were both particularly hot under the blazing Florida sun.
    — Adrian Ruhi, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of uncovered
Adjective
  • However, despite these framework implementations, many businesses are still vulnerable to cyber threats.
    — Vytautas Kaziukonis, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • However, those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, children, older adults, and people who are pregnant are particularly vulnerable.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of vulnerable
Verb
  • 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
  • In recent weeks, Ancelotti has praised Paz and revealed that his former employers have been keeping tabs on the 20-year-old.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Definition of revealed
Adjective
  • According to the air quality index, anything over 100 for pollutants and fine particulates in the air is considered unhealthy, especially for people who are sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants, including children and adults with pre-existing respiratory problems.
    — Jon Haworth, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Companies frequently suffer data breaches, leaking large amounts of sensitive information.
    — Vytautas Kaziukonis, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • This alignment can ensure that business areas of greater risk receive the proper share of security funds, rather than sufficing the bare minimum required.
    — Siranjeevi Dheenadhayalan, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Standing near a bare brown desk, Tully read a list of disclosures, including that the homes were being sold subject to restrictions, such as prior liens.
    — Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2025
Definition of bare
Adjective
  • Had the Heat not made the playoffs, their 2026 unprotected first-round pick instead would have gone to the Thunder.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Without state laws, prosecuting FGM/C cases becomes significantly more difficult, leaving thousands of girls unprotected.
    — Sydney Iannantuono, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of unprotected
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
Definition of discovered

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expose
exposed
exposes
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Cite this Entry

“Exposed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exposed. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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