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as in sensory
of or relating to physical sensation or the senses sensitive data

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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sensitive

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noun

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
Our team reflects different lash textures and lengths, glam preferences, and eye sensitives such as allergies and contact lens-wearers. Olivia Cigliano, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019 What This Means For You Anyone can use a hair oil, but choosing one and determining how often to use it depends on your hair type, personal sensitives, and hair care needs. Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2024
Noun
American military and diplomatic outposts across the globe are on high alert after a U.S. bombing raid on Saturday struck three of Iran’s most sensitive nuclear facilities, prompting vows of retaliation from Tehran and raising fears of a widening regional war. Nik Popli, Time, 23 June 2025 This is particularly sensitive given the Redditor’s history with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and a past eating disorder. Ashley Vega, People.com, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensitive
Adjective
  • The first is that in the context of ‘zero fiscal space’ the constraints imposed by high levels of debt and deficits, will drive new splits within parties, for example between those who are keen to spend more on defence, versus those who wish to preserve social welfare safety nets.
    Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • The director was also keen to flex about his new theater’s impressive hardware.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Without proper documentation and preparation, families face difficult decisions during medical emergencies, potential exploitation of vulnerable members, and devastating conflicts that can create lasting family rifts.
    Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Critics argue that these immigration raids instill fear in vulnerable communities and may infringe on constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • However, removing them can undermine employee engagement, especially in hybrid or rapidly changing environments with fragile personal connections.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • As the conflict between Israel and Iran rests on a fragile ceasefire, Rajebi and other Iranian Americans told USA TODAY about dismay at American involvement and fear for loved ones still in Iran, saying a resurgence in violence could ripple around the world.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • As consumers got ready for Christmas, their focus shifted to gifting and holiday hosting, buying gift wrap cutters, mini strings of lights, sensory squeeze toys, and emergency fire blankets.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 21 June 2025
  • Also on the sensory front, James Folta made a big pot of Marcella Hazan’s three ingredient tomato sauce this week.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • This moderately difficult, half-mile trail through the Mission Hills Open Space, is located across from Pioneer Park.
    Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025
  • Following the loss of their family home, the couple was surrounded by the love and support of friends and family who stepped up to help them during this difficult time.
    Clea Haran, Parents, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • While some pet psychics may use different approaches to communicate with an animal, MacKinnon prefers not to see a photo or video of a pet before a session.
    Athena Sobhan, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Future speakers will include psychics, energy healers and people who deal with spells and other otherworldly topics, Antico said.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • The app features guest mode sessions that disappear after use as well as a hidden exit button for quick redirection if an abuser walks into the room.
    Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • From Piggly Wiggly to gas station, deli to sit-down-restaurant, most quick lunch establishments (and the Southerners that lovingly and critically frequent them) take the flavor, texture, and temperature of their chicken salads extremely seriously.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Vulnerability: Dependence on encryption methods makes our personal information susceptible to quantum attacks.
    Jackie Shoback, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Justin Strnad played a ton last year and mostly held up well, but relying on him and Cody Barton for a big chunk of last year after Singleton tore his ACL is part of what made the Broncos more susceptible in the middle of the field as the season went along.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensitive. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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