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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
Pisces: Jim Walsh As the sensitive matriarch of the Walsh family, Jim is always available to offer his children and their friends sound advice. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 17 May 2025 The Trump administration – with Musk and his aides as the tip of the spear – have roiled the federal government with mass layoffs and demands for access to sensitive information at agencies including the Social Security Administration and the National Labor Relations Board. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 3 May 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
  • With distrust running high, both sides have been keen not to appear weak, and economic analysts had low expectations of a breakthrough.
    Emma Farge, USA Today, 12 May 2025
  • Afterward, the friend wanted to return to the hotel to rest again, but the OP was keen to keep exploring.
    Erin Clack, People.com, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • But the program which pays for more than four of every 10 U.S. births is vulnerable to deep budget cuts — part of the cost of renewing Trump’s tax breaks that favor the wealthy.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2025
  • Even worse, cucurbit plants are vulnerable to many of the same disease problems, and can attract more pests to your watermelon plants.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Fiber optic cable, in my opinion, is more fragile than traditional solid-copper coaxial cable.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 10 May 2025
  • Even in the best of times, long-term observations can be very fragile.
    Eric Morgan, Wired News, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • According to some, binaural beats can lead to something called brainwave entrainment—essentially using sensory stimulations to affect brain's electrical activity.
    Alex Backus, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
  • The insula, meanwhile, is key in pain processing and other sensory signaling.
    Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Two of Elissa’s tumors were obliterated that day, but the third was too difficult to reach without repositioning Elissa’s body in a way that would have taken too much time under anesthesia.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • Luca Solca sector head for global luxury goods at Bernstein Clouding the picture further, many other premium Swiss watchmakers including Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, are privately owned, making their performance difficult to decipher.
    Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • Bud & Rita dispensaries are featuring a variety of special events this week, including psychics, caricature artists, glassblowing and ashtray painting.
    Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Two days before his appointment, McCracken proposed an idea after coming across a TikTok video about a girl who had a session with a psychic to learn more about her cat's thoughts.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Aleksander Barkov’s shot tipped off his stick to bring the Panthers back from two quick Toronto goals.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 10 May 2025
  • Kidney is quick to credit those who helped him along the way, especially his inner circle.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • What's more, the researchers found that the mice on the WD plan were also more susceptible to Salmonella infections.
    Michael Franco May 11, New Atlas, 11 May 2025
  • This depends on the material, but faux leather is usually less susceptible to damage from steam.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensitive. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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