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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in helpless
lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack
vulnerable baby chicks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 vulnerable
The report was rife with errors, including citations to some studies that didn’t exist, but experts agree that children are especially vulnerable to the negative effects of ultraprocessed foods.
—
Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
But in those spaces, Dana said, there were also predators looking for vulnerable people.
—Odette Yousef, NPR, 6 Aug. 2025
As another condition, staff are recommending that the agency study the path’s impact on safety, bridge traffic and vulnerable communities, Gervase said.
—Adrian Rodriguez, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2025
There’s a practical benefit to this, along with the synthetics’ super-strength; a story about aliens let loose on a vulnerable human populace would likely have to be a short one.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vulnerable
Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
But in those spaces, Dana said, there were also predators looking for vulnerable people.
—Odette Yousef, NPR, 6 Aug. 2025
As another condition, staff are recommending that the agency study the path’s impact on safety, bridge traffic and vulnerable communities, Gervase said.
—Adrian Rodriguez, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2025
There’s a practical benefit to this, along with the synthetics’ super-strength; a story about aliens let loose on a vulnerable human populace would likely have to be a short one.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vulnerable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulnerable
Adjective
-
However, this preference puts the species at risk for habitat loss as these areas are often susceptible to human disturbances, according to the study.—
Lauren Liebhaber,
Miami Herald,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Long-term effects of alcohol can also lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease and a weakened immune system that can make individuals susceptible to getting infections.—
Omer Awan,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Not long after, Brady looked helpless on his final snap as a Patriot, standing at the 1-yard line with nine seconds left because of that maneuver, which Stretch stole from Brady’s head coach and turned against them both.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
7 Aug. 2025
-
As for the Aces, Vegas has lost two in a row and looked helpless last time out, losing 109-78 to the Minnesota Lynx.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 July 2025
Adjective
-
Federated Learning: This privacy-preserving technique allows AI models to learn from decentralized data across games and platforms without compromising user privacy, enhancing moderation without centralizing sensitive data.—
Anees Ali Khan,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Not all acres are equal, of course, but there are myriad existing laws to protect areas that are sensitive for ecological, cultural, or other good reasons.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
In addition to absorbing Highsmith’s $5.6 million expiring contract, the Nets acquired an unprotected 2032 second-round pick from Miami while sending a 2026 second-round pick, protected from No. 31 to No. 55, to the Heat, per the team.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
15 Aug. 2025
-
The Nuggets sent Porter to the Brooklyn Nets, along with an unprotected 2032 first-round draft pick, for Cam Johnson.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The formal living room sports soaring ceilings lined with exposed beams, while the more casual family room is surrounded by walls of windows and topped with a skylight for even more natural light.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
17 July 2025
-
Yet, the bill pares back support for wind and solar projects that typically complement gas plants—potentially leaving the grid more exposed, not less.—
Ken Silverstein,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
And for older folks who often feel cold and are prone to bundling up, covering the skin in warm weather can be dangerous.—
Bryant Stamford,
The Courier-Journal,
7 Aug. 2025
-
The stock is prone to big moves after reporting earnings and can easily gap up if the numbers are strong.—
Adam Sarhan,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vulnerable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vulnerable. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share