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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

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
JPMorgan initiates LatAm Airlines as overweight JPMorgan said the LatAm airlines company is less exposed to fuel volatility. Michael Bloom, CNBC, 3 June 2026 Yet both teams saw their defenses exposed. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for exposed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exposed
Adjective
  • Peaches are susceptible to several diseases, including peach leaf curl, brown rot, bacterial spot, and peach scab, as well as plum curculio and other pests.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
  • Commercial country music, a format of songwriting that is at least somewhat reliant on wordplay and the constant re-arranging of a familiar set of symbols (trucks, mud, whiskey, and so forth), can be particularly susceptible to the accusations.
    Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Simply place the item in an uncovered dish or a container vented with holes, and set it in humid areas like the bathroom, basement, attic, or kitchen cabinets out of reach of children and pets.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 24 May 2026
  • Eggs were stored above uncovered cilantro in the walk-in cooler and raw chicken was stored above the raw beef in the reach-in standing freezer.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado May 15, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Wildfire resiliency advocates are warning that the loss of these funds will leave the state vulnerable to devastation, and are calling on California’s next governor to take that threat seriously.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • Why are school lunches still vulnerable to industry pressure?
    Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • In July 2025, Hurley revealed another one of her tricks for taking the best bikini photos, emphasizing that lighting was key.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
  • The Hollywood Reporter exclusively revealed that Reid’s novel Malibu Rising is being developed as a TV series for Hulu, with Taylor adapting and executive producing alongside Circle of Confusion.
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • Grant's work has been displayed in galleries and museums across the United States, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 30 May 2026
  • The most prolific home-run hitting team in University of Kansas baseball history displayed its power early in the Jayhawks’ 6-3 NCAA baseball regional tournament victory over Northeastern on Friday afternoon at Hoglund Ballpark.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • In 2019, it was stolen from Blenheim Palace in England — the birthplace of Winston Churchill — where it was being exhibited.
    Jack Guy, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
  • The article mentioned a man identified only by his last name, Müller, who had exhibited some kind of talking machine in the 1780s.
    Ron Cowen, Scientific American, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Exfoliating sensitive skin, like mine, is a delicate dance.
    Christina Oehler, InStyle, 31 May 2026
  • With that in mind, the experts advise introducing the formula gradually, especially for those with sensitive skin.
    Rosa Jisoo Pyo, Vogue, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Weeds love to invade bare spots.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 31 May 2026
  • First, apply the primer and strengthener onto clean, bare nails to prepare for your manicure.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exposed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exposed. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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