Synonyms of sensitive

sensitive 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsen(t)-sə-tiv 

1

as in keen

able to sense slight impressions or differences

a scale that is sensitive to the smallest change in weight

Synonyms & Similar Words

• keen
• quick
• acute
• delicate
• sharp
• perceptive
• accurate
• fine
• good
• precise
• subtle
• piercing
• sensible
• receptive
• clear
• discerning
• hypersensitive
• supersensitive
• oversensitive
• hair-trigger
• hyperacute

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bad
• dull
• insensitive
• fading
• dulled
• dead
• numb
• insensible
• deadened
• dimmed
• inaccurate
• imprecise
• imperceptive

2

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

• vulnerable
• susceptible
• exposed
• prone
• liable
• endangered
• subject (to)
• in jeopardy
• open
• in deep water
• at risk
• likely
• unprotected
• unsecured
• unguarded
• uncovered
• undefended
• unscreened

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unexposed
• invulnerable
• protected
• covered
• sheltered
• unsusceptible
• guarded
• secured
• shielded
• insusceptible
• screened
• safeguarded
• warded

3

as in fragile

easily injured without careful handling

the sensitive skin of a newborn mouse

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fragile
• delicate
• frail
• weak
• vulnerable
• tender
• soft
• brittle
• susceptible
• friable
• feeble
• breakable
• slight
• tenuous
• puny
• flimsy
• perishable
• crushable
• frangible
• yielding
• eggshell
• unresistant
• nonhardy
• resistless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tough
• strong
• substantial
• resistant
• hard
• robust
• sound
• solid
• durable
• firm
• hardy
• sturdy
• rugged
• stiff
• stout
• flinty
• hardened
• unbreakable
• tempered
• strengthened
• nonbreakable
• infrangible
• toughened
• inured

4

as in sensory

of or relating to physical sensation or the senses

sensitive data

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sensory
• sensual
• sensorial
• sensuous
• receptive
• sensational
• afferent
• sensate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• extrasensory
• intuitional

5

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

• difficult
• tough
• problematic
• complicated
• delicate
• touchy
• sticky
• tricky
• serious
• ticklish
• complex
• hairy
• thorny
• hard
• nasty
• problem
• prickly
• knotty
• painful
• spiny
• tricksy
• catchy
• dodgy
• intricate
• involved
• troublesome
• stubborn
• abstract
• recondite
• abstruse
• vexing
• worrisome
• vexatious
• demanding
• stressful
• inconvenient
• scabrous
• oppressive
• burdensome
• troublous
• exacting
• onerous
• importunate
• exhausting
• discommoding

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• easy
• simple
• manageable
• straightforward
• uncomplicated
• painless
• effortless
• undemanding
• unproblematic

sensitive

2 of 2

noun

as in psychic

Related Words

• psychic
• medium
• spiritualist
• channel
• clairvoyant
• mind reader
• channeler
• spiritist
• telepath
• mentalist

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

Recent Examples of sensitive

Adjective

The story jumps back and forth through time and across continents, but Raja’s sensitive and ultimately optimistic point of view is a gripping anchor. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025

When air quality reaches these levels, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises sensitive groups to avoid prolonged or intense outdoor activities or consider rescheduling or relocating activities indoors. —Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025

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