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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 Overhead power lines—called catenary wires—are especially susceptible to temperature swings. Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 Katya Campbell plays Carol, the first of Diane’s encounters and the one who’s the least susceptible to her charms, with prime micromanagement vibes. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025 Mold can show up anywhere in your home, but there are a few places that are particularly susceptible to it. Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 13 June 2025 Parents and pregnant women, who are on the list of exemptions, could be susceptible to losing coverage without proper documentation, according to the nonpartisan research and policy institute. Lorie Konish, CNBC, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for susceptible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for susceptible
Adjective
  • Critics argue that these immigration raids instill fear in vulnerable communities and may infringe on constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • Now Congress is threatening these laws, which will leave hundreds of millions of Americans vulnerable to AI harm by abolishing those state law protections.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • But most unforgettable are the fantastic driving sequences and the almost casually riveting performances — with James Taylor making for a perfectly intense (and surprisingly charismatic) lead, an ideal foil for the garrulous, slightly helpless Oates.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025
  • The emotional emptiness can feel unbearable, and the practical demands only add to the turmoil, often leaving the surviving spouse feeling lost and helpless.
    David Kudla, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • SodaStream's carbonation canister exchange is the cheapest of any device maker in this guide, and the proprietary bottles are also easy to replace at $22 for two.
    Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 25 June 2025
  • But Republicans who have majority control of the House and Senate are finding that their push to move fast and change things — namely cuts to federal government programs including Medicaid and SNAP food stamps used by millions of Americans — is easier said than done.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • The observatory’s mirror design, sensitive camera and telescope speed are all the first of its kind, enabling Rubin to spot tiny, faint objects such as asteroids.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 June 2025
  • With the hot and humid conditions, ozone levels will become unhealthy for sensitive groups (people with lung disease, young children, older adults, etc.).
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Hawks ended up trading the No. 13 pick to the New Orleans Pelicans for the No. 23 pick and what could be a very valuable unprotected 2026 first-round pick.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025
  • The real head-scratcher came Wednesday night when New Orleans traded up from No. 23 to No. 13 with the Atlanta Hawks to take Maryland big man Derik Queen — and gave up a 2026 unprotected first-round pick in the process.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Enjoy 360-degree airflow that gently surrounds your neck — no exposed blades, just cool comfort from every angle.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 28 June 2025
  • In exposed areas, the plants may need some staking.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • And if anyone was naive enough to imagine the U.S.-led tournament in 2026 would be free of such political baggage, then surely the increasingly public proximity of the Trump-Infantino relationship has dispelled those illusions.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • Biography Ellmann-style was left looking hopelessly naive in its effort to understand the work by understanding its writer’s life.
    Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Premiums have skyrocketed, and coverage has shrunk, especially in wildfire and storm prone regions, exacerbating economic disruption and housing unaffordability.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • Other fire safety tips include obeying local burn bans and not driving or parking vehicles in dry grass, which can be prone to catching fire.
    Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Susceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/susceptible. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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