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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
For those with sensitive skin, this formula is fragrance-, paraben-, and dye-free. Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2025 Using a laser to stimulate M cone cells, which are sensitive to wavelengths of green, participants were said to have seen a color that had not been seen in natural vision. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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 The fair is not the place for introverts, neat freaks, sensitives, or anyone who cannot tolerate unrelenting, bone-deep heat. Paige Williams, The New Yorker, 2 Oct. 2023 See All Example Sentences for sensitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensitive
Adjective
  • From an investment standpoint, the Mavericks head coach has been keen on football for some time.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Banerji talked up the success of The Shadow Strays and Hunger, the latter of which hit No. 1 worldwide, but also was keen to stress the company’s firsts for the region, notably producing Outside, the first Filipino zombie movie that was released in 2024.
    Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • However, despite these framework implementations, many businesses are still vulnerable to cyber threats.
    Vytautas Kaziukonis, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • However, those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, children, older adults, and people who are pregnant are particularly vulnerable.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The film splinters the mind as pitilessly as previous Cronenberg movies went to work on the fragile, spongy body. 16.
    A.A. Dowd, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Automation reduces labor dependency, stabilizes production costs, and ends our reliance on fragile, offshore supply chains.
    Cam Myers, Sourcing Journal, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This may include sensory friendly environments with lower noise, natural lighting, or accommodations for sensory needs like swings, foam cushions, fidgets, or headphones.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Experts recommend considering sensory needs, dietary restrictions, and interests when choosing a destination.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Whitecaps won games in Mexico, which is difficult to do.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Doing this even for planets within our solar system is difficult.
    Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In their search for Nam’s father, Nam and Hoa enlist the help of a famed psychic who specializes in locating soldiers’ remains.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Instead the psychics, who turned out to be mother and daughter, split us up: Hechinger in the back room, me in the front.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Ivanka posted a video and pictures to her social media platforms on Monday following the celebration, during which Theo and Barkley had a quick game of catch while running around the area.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Instead, Gagliardi recommends running a quick wash cycle and adding a product like Clorox® Laundry Sanitizer, which can squash the odor-causing bacteria lurking in your damp laundry.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the ride for Palantir has been far from smooth, and shares have been susceptible to volatile swings.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Tovar, for example, researches specific genes that make people more susceptible to diabetes, which affects about 38 million Americans, including some who don't respond well to existing treatments.
    Brett Kelman, NPR, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensitive. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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