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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

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 susceptible Metal tends to be more durable than wood, but metal is susceptible to rust. Megan Newton, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2025 Without secure and trusted data, AI can be susceptible to breaches, downtime, system outages, bias, misuse, and loss of public trust. Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 Afterwards, fingers were pointed at Unai Emery’s general setup, regarded as passive, lacking intent and inviting second-half pressure that left them susceptible to City scoring late. Sam Lee, New York Times, 1 May 2025 And thanks to their ingredient makeup, some types are more susceptible than others. Caroline Tien, SELF, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for susceptible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for susceptible
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
  • His curveball induced one helpless swing from the Diamondbacks (26-23) after another.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
  • Scheifele’s emotional and inspirational decision to play mere hours after his father’s unexpected death — to play for his dad, to play because of his dad — ended in cruel fashion, with Scheifele helpless in the penalty box.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • The issues of revenue and reform are never easy, but the public’s opposition to new taxes for a vital service with wide support should not be surprising.
    Jack Lavin, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
  • Tile or laminate flooring is easy to clean, which is perfect for messy activities like repotting plants.
    Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Security clearance requirements limit the most sensitive jobs to U.S. citizens.
    Davis Winkie, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • Even benchmarks can be misleading, since outcomes are highly sensitive to the types of tasks included.
    Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • Unintended access permissions or unprotected endpoints.
    Alexander Britkin, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • But there’s nothing to stop Miami from going to Charlotte and offering a 2032 unprotected first-rounder, plus cash, a second-rounder, a player (Jaime Jaquez Jr.?) and even a pick swap in exchange for giving Miami back its 2027 first-rounder.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • Beneath her blazer, the Princess of Wales styled a light blue, button-up collared shirt with exposed cuffs.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Load up on a nutritious brunch The sisters Xenia and Sophie von Oswald mix and match Persian, German and Australian influences at rocket + basil, an easygoing, no-reservations eatery near the busy Potsdamer Platz, with exposed brick walls painted mint green inside.
    Valeriya Safronova, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Don’t be naive and offer $500 for a premium domain name.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • But that naive, first-generation Polish-American girl soon became a force to be reckoned with.
    Barbara Ellis, Denver Post, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Both men were prone to flashes of brilliance, ultimately lost in a haze of injury and apathy.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • Overwatering depletes the water supply, increases runoff and pollution, and makes plants more prone to disease and insects.
    Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Susceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/susceptible. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on susceptible

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