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

Relevance

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

Always run a patch test first, and avoid using on any materials that are sensitive to citric acid. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 22 July 2026 The wealthy are not nearly as sensitive to price as the rest of us. — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 22 July 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

It’s been understood for years that America’s adversaries and allies alike take a keen interest in how this country practices an imperfect democracy.

— Philip Elliott, Time, 17 July 2026
The youth ranks are being bolstered, too, with sporting director Ross Wilson keen to keep boosting the quality at the academy.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Definition of keen

Adjective

The European Union has banned AI that encourages dangerous behavior in vulnerable groups like children, and mandated transparency requirements for other chatbots.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
Chiggers are soft bodied and are vulnerable to sharp microscopic material in diatomaceous earth.

— Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 22 July 2026

Definition of vulnerable

Adjective

That summer, land next to the Okefenokee Swamp that was slated for a titanium mine was purchased by The Conservation Fund, spelling an end to a project some had feared could irreparably damage the fragile ecosystem.

— Drew Kann, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
Given an increasingly fragile fiscal backdrop, more may follow.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 19 July 2026

Definition of fragile

Adjective

Unlike dogs, they cannot simply be taken on longer walks, often resist dietary changes, and can be difficult to medicate consistently, making GLP-1 therapies potentially attractive if clinical trials prove successful.

— Elsa Ohlen,Carolin Roth, CNBC, 18 July 2026
Their stories recount the devastation to homes and businesses, life in temporary shelters, and the difficult process of rebuilding or relocating.

— Michelle Oliva-Espinosa, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026

Definition of difficult

Noun

Orlando Police were flooded with tips, including from psychics, about the disappearances of Jennifer Kesse in 2006 and Michelle Parker in 2011, the research paper said.

— Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2026
Though unusual, unorthodox and often a last resort, police departments at times call on psychics to help redirect detectives who’ve looked at the same facts and evidence time and again.

— Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

Definition of psychic

Adjective

However, declining vaccination rates fueled by vaccine hesitancy have created pockets of susceptible individuals where the virus can spread quickly.

— Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
The emotional discomfort is a result of feeling self-conscious about the appearance, and the physical is typically the result of excess tissue that's more susceptible to everyday irritation.

— Anonymous, Allure, 23 July 2026

Definition of susceptible

Browse Nearby Words

sensing

sensitive

sensitively

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensitive. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of sensitive

adjective

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on sensitive

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

aerie

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes