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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
The strips are safe for sensitive teeth and gums thanks to their calming active ingredients. Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025 Experts said such confrontations, whether routine intercepts, training scrambles, or probing flights, are common worldwide and can become politically sensitive when publicized. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensitive
Adjective
  • One in particular was slow working, keen nosed, and close ranging.
    Worth Matthewson, Outdoor Life, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Hartwell was not keen on the idea.
    Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Patrick Mahomes and the reigning AFC champion Chiefs look more vulnerable than in years past and are just 2-2 entering Monday night’s game against the Jaguars.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The people who are most vulnerable to the hard-to-breathe air that comes with climate change may inadvertently be adding to the problem, new research finds.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Netanyahu, meanwhile, stands accused of having repeatedly turned down earlier deals with Hamas to appease extreme elements within his fragile coalition government.
    Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • With new tariffs, shifting brand strategies and a fragile financial system, the stakes could not be higher for Bangladesh in 2025.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Many autistic kids are drawn to water, regardless of its temperature, because water offers a calming sensory effect.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Outfitted with lights and sounds to stimulate sensory skills, this toy transforms from a stationary busy board into an activity table, drawing table, and stand-up easel.
    Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For once, the bulk of the anger was directed not at Fosun — the investment group and majority shareholder – and the Molineux hierarchy who have conspired to deal Pereira a difficult hand, but at the head coach himself and his players.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Romancelandia’s social world, harnessed by its business-minded authors, may make its success exceedingly difficult to replicate.
    Rebecca Ackermann, The Atlantic, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While ferrying Camila from playdates to pet psychics, Issa realizes the dog’s bark is worse than her bite—much like Camila’s attractive, yet reclusive owner, Theo (Famous in Love’s Carter Jenkins).
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Willing to try anything, Mary began speaking to alleged psychics.
    Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Bitcoin is up about 25% this year, rising as more Wall Street institutions embrace the cryptocurrency and global investors begin to view it as a reputable portfolio allocation and not just a quick trading vehicle.
    Fred Imbert, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Its silicone design sits comfortably on the face, while quick preset modes make treatments simple to fit into daily life.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Common Pests & Plant Diseases Camellias are susceptible to several fungal diseases, the most serious of which are flower blight, root rot, and camellia dieback and canker.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025
  • This is the key reason why older adults are more susceptible to cancer and severe illness.
    Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensitive. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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