1
as in susceptible
being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm
I'm vulnerable to sunburn whenever I go out in the sun
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in helpless
lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack
vulnerable baby chicks
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vulnerable
The rare disorder means a person's white blood cells are unable to enter infection sites and kill bacteria, leaving patients vulnerable.
—
Kerry Breen, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Structure information summary Most structures in this region are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist.
—Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026
All an unsuspecting user on a vulnerable device has to do is visit the site, and that’s it.
—Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
But an insurance plan with a high deductible or other cost sharing could leave workers vulnerable to big medical bills.
—Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vulnerable
Kerry Breen, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Structure information summary Most structures in this region are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist.
—Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026
All an unsuspecting user on a vulnerable device has to do is visit the site, and that’s it.
—Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
But an insurance plan with a high deductible or other cost sharing could leave workers vulnerable to big medical bills.
—Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vulnerable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulnerable
Adjective
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Writers said the article emphasized findings that were subjective and susceptible to bias.—
David Hilzenrath,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
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Long-term drought conditions mean that vegetation is especially susceptible to fire.—
Sarah Henry,
AZCentral.com,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Operating up top, Hagens fed Gasseau down low on the right side and Gasseau zipped a perfect cross-ice pass to Letourneau, who ripped it past a helpless Muszelik.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
21 Mar. 2026
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Still helpless in the face of her new, ultrapublic life, and at a loss for how to re-center herself and her needs and wants within it, Carolyn has been spending most of her time in the loft.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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This wasn’t surprising, given that intelligence agencies compartmentalize information about sensitive operations.—
David D. Kirkpatrick,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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It is well understood in the region that could mean things like broad targeting of sensitive and highly vulnerable energy installations, something Iran has already threatened, essential for the regional and global economies, as well as hard to quickly repair and rebuild.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Despite speaking up repeatedly since, the number of unprotected cameras only continues to grow.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Mar. 2026
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Frost and freeze conditions will damage unprotected vegetation that is sensitive to freezing temperatures.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Rushing cotton through the system throws up new challenges, leaving brands and retailers more exposed.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Sourcing Journal,
12 Mar. 2026
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The objective is to reduce exposed equity within the entity in a lawful and structured manner.—
Ascend Agency,
New York Daily News,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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More than 35% of women in the US are deficient in vitamin D, and postmenopausal women diagnosed with osteoporosis are especially prone, according to a 2010 article in the Journal of Oncology Practice.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
27 Mar. 2026
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But the scale and intensity of the current crisis have renewed concerns about disaster preparedness and the vulnerability of communities living near rivers and flood-prone areas.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vulnerable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vulnerable. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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