exposed 1 of 2

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
Isolating how someone was exposed or whether a cleanup is behind a decline in blood lead levels can be difficult. Chris Bowling, ProPublica, 15 Apr. 2026 Spending on veteran disability benefits increases in times of war, when more individuals are deployed and placed in conditions where they may be exposed to contaminants and chemicals leading to chronic health problems, Bilmes noted. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exposed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exposed
Adjective
  • People who have migraines, as Jack did, are more susceptible to the condition, Schwedt said.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Young plants are most susceptible to damage and can be protected with repellents or temporary fencing when deer are active.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • An uncovered pinch by Ian Moore created a jail break and, to compound matters, Moore was an onlooker as Suter hammered the puck.
    Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Williams sued American Demolition and uncovered years of safety issues.
    Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Bronson, with the atomic scientists group, also said nuclear plants are vulnerable during conflicts, citing recent instances where reactors were specifically targeted during the Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine War.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Overwatering can leave grass with weak roots and vulnerable to diseases, so stick to a schedule and spot-treat patches if needed.
    Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Kanaiyah Ward was neglected A report by the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) revealed that Ward was neglected by the caretaker who was supposed to supervise her with hourly checks.
    Adam Thompson, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • During the conversation, the actor revealed that things got pretty physical during the preparation for his intimate scenes with Fanning, 28.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The cameras in the operations centers mostly have high-definition signals displayed on the big monitors, but the size of the files for those signals is enormous and a big burden if CDOT kept the visuals.
    Alan Gionet, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The lawsuit alleged that between March and July of 2019, certain Trader Joe's locations printed receipts that displayed sensitive financial information, including more digits of customers' credit or debit card numbers than allowed by law.
    Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Also in the show is Women of Venice (1956), which will be exhibited on the temple’s terrace.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
  • According to court documents, Price exhibited droopy eyes, slurred speech, and an emotionless demeanor, while Ramirez allegedly fled from the scene on a bicycle.
    Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Moon in your sensitive 8th house is squaring Venus in your aspirational 11th house, potentially inciting irritation at the intersection of individual privacy and group plans.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Analysts say the government of Nigeria may feel a papal visit may be too sensitive at this time.
    Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The light that falls from the left, through half-open windows, onto Vermeer’s walls, some of them bare, testifies not so much to an overcast Dutch day as to a suffusion of grace.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The actress posed in a field of flowers while clutching her bare chest.
    Sarah Sotoodeh, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exposed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exposed. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

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