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as in responsible
being the one who must meet an obligation or suffer the consequences for failing to do so the owner of a pet is liable for any damage that that pet might do

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective liable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of liable are exposed, open, prone, sensitive, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

When is it sensible to use exposed instead of liable?

The words exposed and liable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

In what contexts can open take the place of liable?

While the synonyms open and liable are close in meaning, open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When might prone be a better fit than liable?

The meanings of prone and liable largely overlap; however, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

When would sensitive be a good substitute for liable?

While in some cases nearly identical to liable, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When is subject a more appropriate choice than liable?

In some situations, the words subject and liable are roughly equivalent. However, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

When could susceptible be used to replace liable?

The synonyms susceptible and liable are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 liable The complaint against Microsoft came a day after a California federal judge ruled that Anthropic made fair use under U.S. copyright law of authors' material to train its AI systems but may still be liable for pirating their books. Blake Brittain, USA Today, 26 June 2025 Councilmember Barbara Leary expressed concern about the city becoming legally liable if a resident injures themselves at either parks. Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025 On Friday, the jury sided with Erin Smith and held Walls-Kaufman liable for assaulting her 35-year-old husband — an encounter captured on the officer's body camera. CBS News, 24 June 2025 But Read could still be held liable for O’Keefe’s death in civil court. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for liable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liable
Adjective
  • Vulnerability: Dependence on encryption methods makes our personal information susceptible to quantum attacks.
    Jackie Shoback, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Justin Strnad played a ton last year and mostly held up well, but relying on him and Cody Barton for a big chunk of last year after Singleton tore his ACL is part of what made the Broncos more susceptible in the middle of the field as the season went along.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • While the statue itself would be paid for by the people of France, the Americans would be responsible for its prodigious base.
    Mo Rocca July 6, CBS News, 6 July 2025
  • Interestingly, research has found that asthmatics tend to have lower levels of IgG. While camel milk is rich in these bioactive compounds, the study didn’t isolate or quantify which specific components were responsible for the observed effects.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • These offenders swarm these vulnerable victims, usually Asian, older females.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 4 July 2025
  • Along the way, Manuel opened a small nonprofit to supply basic needs for Native foster kids that grew into a statewide cultural support service for the most vulnerable youth.
    Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • This usually involves receiving a fake text, email or even a phone call designed to trick you into clicking a malicious link or sharing sensitive information.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2025
  • The thundering crackles and sharp bangs of pyrotechnics can not only frighten dogs but also cause discomfort to their sensitive ears.
    Logan Holland, People.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Enjoy 360-degree airflow that gently surrounds your neck — no exposed blades, just cool comfort from every angle.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 28 June 2025
  • In exposed areas, the plants may need some staking.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The heat and nutrients can make the sea grass more prone to disease according to the Fish and Wildlife Conservancy.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
  • These destinations are prone to extreme weather, such as hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones, which can disrupt daily life and damage infrastructure.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Liable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liable. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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