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

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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 Homes are especially prone to this problem during winter and summer when the windows and doors remain firmly closed against the extreme outdoor temperatures. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025 Marseille are second in Ligue 1, behind champions PSG, but are prone to combustion. Phil Hay, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 Those running agencies for the first time are prone to make beginners’ mistakes, Mr. Foster said. Luke Broadwater, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025 At the same time, the vulnerability of U.S. conventional forces creates powerful first-strike incentives for both sides, making minor political crises and military frictions more dangerous and prone to escalation. Andrew S. Lim, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prone
Adjective
  • If the economy continues on its current trajectory of moderating inflation and robust jobs growth, then the FOMC may be more inclined to cut rates.
    Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • The club’s best players would be more inclined to stay, to sign new deals, and the attraction for possible new arrivals would be even greater.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 17 May 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
  • The stock is down 8% from the February high and flat so far in May.
    Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 15 May 2025
  • Vegas was one of the best teams in the NHL's regular season, but came out flat against the Oilers in Game 4.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Only his changeup has significant horizontal movement, with the righty largely working up and down to fool batters.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • Sherwood attributes this to the company’s commitment to building strong horizontal functions and trust between IT and the business.
    Peter High, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prone. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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