1
as in inclined
having a tendency to be or act in a certain way he was prone to emotional outbursts under stress

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in prostrate
lying with the face downwards quickly subdue the suspect and get him into a prone position

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective prone contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of prone are exposed, liable, open, sensitive, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

When would exposed be a good substitute for prone?

The words exposed and prone 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

When is liable a more appropriate choice than prone?

In some situations, the words liable and prone are roughly equivalent. However, liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

In what contexts can open take the place of prone?

The synonyms open and prone are sometimes interchangeable, but open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When can sensitive be used instead of prone?

The meanings of sensitive and prone largely overlap; however, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When could subject be used to replace prone?

The words subject and prone can be used in similar contexts, but subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

Where would susceptible be a reasonable alternative to prone?

While the synonyms susceptible and prone are close in meaning, 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 prone These reactions require sunlight and higher temperatures, making warmer months more prone to ozone formation. Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025 Premiums have skyrocketed, and coverage has shrunk, especially in wildfire and storm prone regions, exacerbating economic disruption and housing unaffordability. Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025 Machine washable Shower curtain liners are prone to building up with soap scum and mildew if not cleaned regularly. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025 Other fire safety tips include obeying local burn bans and not driving or parking vehicles in dry grass, which can be prone to catching fire. Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for prone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prone
Adjective
  • But the Padres seem more inclined to add to that strength than deal from it.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025
  • Pence, however, isn't inclined to throw rocks or to vilify his political opponents.
    Jim Martin, IndyStar, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • To his right, where the prostrate body of a dying woman was jostled in the bloody fray.
    Dan Barry, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025
  • On the sheer upper slopes of one of the world's most unforgiving peaks, mountaineers, determined to reach the world's second-highest summit in a record-breaking string of ascents, appear to step over the prostrate body of Muhammad Hassan - a Pakistani porter who later died.
    Eve Sampson, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Aug. 2023
Adjective
  • Kelly Clarkson Home Soprano Indoor Rug This tan, flat woven rug is ideal for bringing a natural texture into any space — whether giving the entryway a refresh or anchoring a cozy breakfast nook.
    Jacqueline Tempera, People.com, 1 July 2025
  • Like much of his work, the sculptures evolved intuitively—from flat paper puppets to freestanding forms to these towering outdoor figures.
    Nargess Banks, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Effective methods for staking dahlias include posts with twine, heavy-duty tomato cages, individual stakes, or horizontal netting.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2025
  • This year will feature a new firing system capable of launching shells at a faster pace than ever, as well as additions to allow for horizontal launches from the bridge, instead of just vertical ignitions.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prone. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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