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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective susceptible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of susceptible are exposed, liable, open, prone, sensitive, and subject. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable.

very susceptible to flattery

When might exposed be a better fit than susceptible?

While in some cases nearly identical to susceptible, exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

When can liable be used instead of susceptible?

Although the words liable and susceptible have much in common, 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 susceptible?

In some situations, the words open and susceptible are roughly equivalent. However, open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When would prone be a good substitute for susceptible?

The words prone and susceptible are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

In what contexts can sensitive take the place of susceptible?

While the synonyms sensitive and susceptible are close in meaning, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

Where would subject be a reasonable alternative to susceptible?

The meanings of subject and susceptible largely overlap; however, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

Examples of susceptible in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Who is at risk for consuming unpasteurized apple cider? Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to the effects of food poisoning. Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Oct. 2024 In any classroom, there may be a pupil who is more susceptible due to underlying conditions that prevent them from getting vaccinated. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 3 Oct. 2024 That’s unfortunate, as the décolletage is just as susceptible to sun damage. Maria Goldbach, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2024 That’s important, since lower bone density can lead to osteoporosis, a condition that can leave you more susceptible to fractures. Caroline Tien, SELF, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for susceptible 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'susceptible.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near susceptible

Cite this Entry

“Susceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/susceptible. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on susceptible

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