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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
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
Noun
Do people trust our internal channels to surface sensitive issues safely? Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025 Cyberattacks target computers, accounts and sensitive data daily. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensitive
Adjective
  • Although nothing is imminent, club sources say the hierarchy are keen to find a successor and have held talks with a number of candidates.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Shouse says that touring with Frehley was a chance to see the guitarist’s keen sense of humor up close.
    Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, the term itself was an epithet throughout the founding era, a way to describe ignorant and easily deceived popular majorities, perpetually vulnerable to demagogues.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The Jamaican government issued mandatory evacuation orders on Sunday for the most vulnerable coastal communities, per CNN.
    Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As conversations continue around Gaza's reconstruction amid the fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire, doctors and humanitarian workers are urging that efforts be focused on addressing the malnutrition crisis, noting that simply flooding the zone with aid won't make a meaningful dent.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Vance says Gaza ceasefire holding despite flare-ups US Vice President JD Vance said on a visit to Israel the fragile ceasefire with Hamas was holding, despite accusations by each side that the other had violated the deal.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Far from being some dead organ, the tusk was a sensory rod that fed the whale information about its environment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • And according to Jozef Verbruggen, the founder of Untamed Travelling, the entire region is a sensory treat.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • One of the world’s most persistent waste problems, plastics are durable and difficult to recycle.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
  • But grass is difficult to digest for the mammal.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The town, about 25 miles southwest of Daytona Beach, Florida, is home to mediums, psychics and healers, many practicing out of their homes.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Think past life regression meditations, tarot and oracle card readings, and even sessions with psychics.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Need a hearty soup that's quick, tasty, and healthy this season?
    Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2025
  • This can be a quick way to improve your fiber intake without planning every meal.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Washington only had one offensive possession in the third quarter and were susceptible to punts in the fourth.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Picking the Wrong Location Planting fruit trees in overly shady spots or poorly draining soil inhibits fruiting and makes your plants more susceptible to pests, diseases, and rot.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensitive. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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