SENSITIVE Synonyms: 181 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'sensitive' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sensitive are exposed , liable , open , prone , subject , and susceptible . While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli. // unduly sensitive to criticism

Q: When is 'exposed' a more appropriate choice than 'sensitive'?

The words exposed and sensitive 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'liable' instead of 'sensitive'?

While the synonyms liable and sensitive are close in meaning, liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation. // liable to get lost

Q: When could 'open' be used to replace 'sensitive'?

The words open and sensitive can be used in similar contexts, but open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence. // a claim open to question

Q: Where would 'prone' be a reasonable alternative to 'sensitive'?

The synonyms prone and sensitive are sometimes interchangeable, but prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something. // prone to delay

Q: When would 'subject' be a good substitute for 'sensitive'?

Although the words subject and sensitive have much in common, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone. // all reports are subject to review

Q: In what contexts can 'susceptible' take the place of 'sensitive'?

While in some cases nearly identical to sensitive , susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable. // very susceptible to flattery

sensitive 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsen(t)-sə-tiv

Definition of sensitive

as in keen

able to sense slight impressions or differences a scale that is sensitive to the smallest change in weight

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vulnerable

being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm she's very sensitive to the sun and will burn if she's outside for any amount of time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fragile

easily injured without careful handling the sensitive skin of a newborn mouse

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sensory

of or relating to physical sensation or the senses sensitive data

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in difficult

requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling pointing out to the boss that she's wrong is always a sensitive task

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sensitive

2 of 2

noun

as in psychic

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sensitive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sensitive are exposed, liable, open, prone, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When is exposed a more appropriate choice than sensitive?

The words exposed and sensitive 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 it sensible to use liable instead of sensitive?

While the synonyms liable and sensitive are close in meaning, liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

When could open be used to replace sensitive?

The words open and sensitive can be used in similar contexts, but open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

Where would prone be a reasonable alternative to sensitive?

The synonyms prone and sensitive are sometimes interchangeable, but prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

When would subject be a good substitute for sensitive?

Although the words subject and sensitive have much in common, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

In what contexts can susceptible take the place of sensitive?

While in some cases nearly identical to sensitive, 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 sensitive

Adjective

In grid failures, an internal switch transfers power in less than 10 milliseconds to stop sensitive devices from resetting. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026 Unscented and essential oil-free, the formula is suitable for sensitive skin. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

Noun

Given the dearth of formal treatments and accommodations, McCampbell’s ability to help sensitives through her consulting work is somewhat limited. — Evan Malmgren, Harper's Magazine, 21 Aug. 2024 Our beauty test team represents a range of needs and preferences, including varying lash textures and lengths, different glam preferences, and specific sensitives like those with allergies or who wear contact lenses. — Olivia Cigliano, WWD, 30 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for sensitive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensitive

Adjective

Lastly, while summer is certainly a wonderful time to visit—and surely the most popular—I’m keen to come back in winter.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
When some youngsters in Rome tried to set a dumpster on fire, others quickly extinguished the blaze, keen to avoid the type of violence that has marred similar protests in France.

— Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of keen

Adjective

And party insiders blame Trump’s tariffs and war with Iran for creating a volatile Senate map that has left seats in red states like Nebraska and Kansas vulnerable.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Linn County prosecutors did not file criminal charges, but the church would not allow Moore to work with children, youth and vulnerable adults.

— Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of vulnerable

Adjective

Furthermore, custom rigid shapes for every new material are expensive, fragile, and difficult to scale.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
Mark DiCamillo, the poll’s director, said previous surveys showed support for Proposition 40 has been fragile, and the most recent shows its prospects have dimmed as election day approaches.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of fragile

Adjective

Taking the pressure off finishing all the food on the plate can instead place emphasis on savoring the sensory experience of each bite.

— Bryn Beeder, The Conversation, 1 Nov. 2026
The organization gave the sandwich an overall score of 75, a four out of five nutrition score and a five out of five sensory score, which is based on flavor and texture attributes.

— Sadie Chafe, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of sensory

Adjective

Jarman, who came in as the defending champion on the event, put together a more difficult routine but was nicked by judges for his execution.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
This is the last remaining game on the schedule that should be very difficult.

— David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of difficult

Noun

This year, two different psychics and an astrologer told her the end of October would be significant.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2026
Some people are even gravitating toward religious organizations and turning to mystical practices like psychics and love spells to find a partner.

— Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of psychic

Adjective

With the lesson learned from last year, TCU made sure to get off to a much quicker start as the Horned Frogs’ new roster shined against the Lions.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
Next year, if Democrats claim the majority in both chambers, the GOP can’t expect quick dismissals.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of quick

Adjective

Kirshner says most units aren’t susceptible and that the issues appear quickly on units with the defect.

— Jay Peters, The Verge, 26 Oct. 2026
Microwave weapons can address groups of small aircraft, interceptors can physically destroy individual threats, electronic warfare can disrupt susceptible communications, and lasers can interfere with optical sensors.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of susceptible

Browse Nearby Words

sensing

sensitive

sensitively

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Style

“Sensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensitive. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of sensitive

adjective

noun

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