Synonyms of liable

liable

adjective

ˈlī-ə-bəl 

1

as in susceptible

being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm

because of his frail constitution, he's liable to diseases

Synonyms & Similar Words

• susceptible
• vulnerable
• sensitive
• exposed
• prone
• endangered
• in jeopardy
• subject (to)
• open
• likely
• at risk
• in deep water
• unprotected
• unsecured
• uncovered
• unguarded
• undefended
• unscreened

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• invulnerable
• unexposed
• covered
• protected
• unsusceptible
• secured
• sheltered
• insusceptible
• screened
• shielded
• guarded
• safeguarded
• warded

2

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

• responsible
• accountable
• answerable
• amenable
• indebted
• obligated
• beholden
• obliged

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• irresponsible
• exempt
• unaccountable
• immune
• nonaccountable

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

Recent Examples of liable

An arbitrator later found Spacey liable for a $31 million payment to MRC. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 10 Mar. 2026

The probate estate remains liable for the decedent’s debts. —Virginia Hammerle, Dallas Morning News, 8 Mar. 2026

However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. —Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 6 Mar. 2026

If passed, companies would be liable for fines, lawsuits from the Attorney General’s Office and forced to sell. —Mathew Miranda updated March 5, Sacbee.com, 5 Mar. 2026