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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 decision was based on two key factors: the Calhoun County decision not finding Webb liable for any charges, and extensive pre-draft scrutiny from the Broncos’ brass about Webb’s character. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 May 2025 Entities that provide weapons, money, equipment or other support to those groups can face federal prosecution if found liable. Melissa Quinn may 9, CBS News, 9 May 2025 Monday’s court decision holds the couple liable for about $76,000 in kennel costs since 2021, and warns of a 7.5% annual interest charge on whatever goes unpaid. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 8 May 2025 Failure to take them down would make the publisher liable in civil court. Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for liable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liable
Adjective
  • What's more, the researchers found that the mice on the WD plan were also more susceptible to Salmonella infections.
    Michael Franco May 11, New Atlas, 11 May 2025
  • This depends on the material, but faux leather is usually less susceptible to damage from steam.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • The office in Jackson, Ky., which was responsible for the area around London, had a March vacancy rate of 25%; the Louisville weather service staff was down 29%; and the St. Louis office was down 16%, according to calculations by weather service employees obtained by the Associated Press.
    Dylan Lovan, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025
  • The pandemic is largely responsible for the talent boom, which has turned into a fine art movement.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • But the program which pays for more than four of every 10 U.S. births is vulnerable to deep budget cuts — part of the cost of renewing Trump’s tax breaks that favor the wealthy.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2025
  • Even worse, cucurbit plants are vulnerable to many of the same disease problems, and can attract more pests to your watermelon plants.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Security clearance requirements limit the most sensitive jobs to U.S. citizens.
    Davis Winkie, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • This question asks for personal sensitive information that is protected by privacy laws.
    Ernesto Londoño, New York Times, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • Beneath her blazer, the Princess of Wales styled a light blue, button-up collared shirt with exposed cuffs.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Load up on a nutritious brunch The sisters Xenia and Sophie von Oswald mix and match Persian, German and Australian influences at rocket + basil, an easygoing, no-reservations eatery near the busy Potsdamer Platz, with exposed brick walls painted mint green inside.
    Valeriya Safronova, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • And, with darker skin tones more prone to dry skin, doubling down on your water intake with skincare is key to a longer skinspan.
    Essence, Essence, 16 May 2025
  • Overwatering depletes the water supply, increases runoff and pollution, and makes plants more prone to disease and insects.
    Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Liable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liable. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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