IN THE LURCH Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

in the lurch

adjective

Definition of in the lurch

as in susceptible

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Recent Examples of in the lurch Newsom and other opponents, like the California Teachers Association, said the measure is shortsighted and left public schools, childcare providers and others in the lurch by focusing almost solely on healthcare. — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026 That avoids leaving team members in the lurch while the person is out, Ackerman said. — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 8 June 2026 Rather than leave existing clients in the lurch, Lee allowed IDW to essentially inherit those accounts, allowing the fledgling business to become profitable within its first year of operation. — Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 The chaos left students across the county — many of whom were in the midst of finals — in the lurch, wondering if their assignments could be turned in or would be postponed. — Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026 And Lake Station Community Schools Superintendent Tom Cripliver said the School Board is looking for alternatives so families aren’t left in the lurch when the new school year begins. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 Just as Musk left Oracle in the lurch, a LinkedIn message from OpenAI infrastructure chief Peter Hoeschele arrived in the inbox of a sales leader at Oracle, Bloomberg reported. — Elizabeth Lopatto, The Verge, 29 Apr. 2026 When pressed about the path forward with TSA agents and other workers left in the lurch, Murphy said Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress, are the ones who have rejected their proposals to provide immediate funding for the Transportation Security Administration. — Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026 Scant negotiations progress Last week, Congress failed to advance a DHS funding bill for the fifth time, leaving TSA, FEMA and other agencies in the lurch. — Luke Garrett, NPR, 22 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for in the lurch

Adjective

The kidneys are particularly susceptible to injury or damage in rhabdo cases.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
Your enamel is stronger than your bones, but still susceptible to damage over time from things like sugary foods and dental plaque.

— Rachel Carlson, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of susceptible

Adjective

This means that unprotected people need to stay home and away from others for 21 days after exposure.

— Katie Lockwood, STAT, 28 Oct. 2026
The students challenge that interpretation, contending that the university has not established that their individual statements constituted legally unprotected threats or caused the level of disruption required to justify punishment.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of unprotected

Adjective

And party insiders blame Trump’s tariffs and war with Iran for creating a volatile Senate map that has left seats in red states like Nebraska and Kansas vulnerable.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Linn County prosecutors did not file criminal charges, but the church would not allow Moore to work with children, youth and vulnerable adults.

— Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of vulnerable

Adjective

In an America where people my age feel particularly subjugated and helpless, accusing someone else of political and moral impropriety and defending your case with your life can instill in you feelings of reified self-empowerment and control.

— Ivy Wolk, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
Soon Rakowski was firing the ball to a wide-open Flowers for a 43-yard touchdown as two helpless Mira Costa defenders gave pursuit.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of helpless

Adjective

Numan said the Iraqi military would not leave the Kurdistan region undefended.

— Jane Arraf, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026
The United States and Canada, historic allies along an undefended border, fell deeper into a trade war Saturday marked by angry recriminations and new tariffs that are expected to raise prices for products in both countries.

— PAUL WISEMAN, Arkansas Online, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of undefended

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in the know

in the lurch

in the nude

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“In the lurch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/in%20the%20lurch. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of in the lurch

adjective

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