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
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Recent Examples of vulnerable
For more than 55 years, Rancho de los Niños has provided shelter, love and stability to vulnerable children.
—
Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2026
Structure information summary Most structures in this region are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist.
—Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
Advocates see it as a way to send a chilling message to immigrant communities and make more people vulnerable to deportation.
—Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Policymakers across parties and branches of government have a duty to work together to strengthen the nation’s vaccine infrastructure and avoid leaving Americans vulnerable to public health crises that could carry immense human and economic costs.
—Michael C. Burgess, STAT, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vulnerable
Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2026
Structure information summary Most structures in this region are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist.
—Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
Advocates see it as a way to send a chilling message to immigrant communities and make more people vulnerable to deportation.
—Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Policymakers across parties and branches of government have a duty to work together to strengthen the nation’s vaccine infrastructure and avoid leaving Americans vulnerable to public health crises that could carry immense human and economic costs.
—Michael C. Burgess, STAT, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vulnerable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulnerable
Adjective
-
Pachysandra beds that have been stressed by winter, too much sun, drought, insects, or overcrowding are more susceptible to this fungal disease.—
Tim Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2026
-
While many big companies hedge currency to try and insulate themselves or push more sales overseas, smaller businesses are often more susceptible to the turbulence.—
Matt Sedensky,
Fortune,
3 May 2026
Adjective
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Punk appeared helpless as Reigns picked him up.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
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The show’s name referred to their self-identification as helpless babies overwhelmed by the pressures of modernity, comforted only by coating themselves in fancy serums and moisturizers to recreate the peaceful, placental insulation of the womb.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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That's because the edges of your vision are more sensitive to light.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
3 May 2026
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Dick and Tweety became a formidable team in running Camp Mystic – he the unquestioned leader who oversaw all operations and she the sensitive surrogate mother for campers.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
3 May 2026
Adjective
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In Hendrix's case, his intestines, spleen, liver and stomach were outside of his body, unprotected.—
Charmaine Patterson,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
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Roosevelt found the constant security presence tiresome, however, and would sometimes slip away for unprotected hikes or horseback rides in Washington’s Rock Creek Park, according to the White House Historical Association.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The outer layers of the star will eventually cool and disperse, leaving a nebula of ex-stellar material surrounding the sun's core, which will then become an exposed cooling stellar remnant called a white dwarf.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
23 Apr. 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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If plastic is a must (especially in areas prone to moisture), the vinegar, baking soda, and enzyme detergent routine should get all unpleasant smells out.—
Melissa Epifano,
The Spruce,
1 May 2026
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Human children often copy their friends’ preferences for toys or clothes, while adults are prone to jumping on popular diets or lifestyle trends.—
Amarachi Orie,
CNN Money,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vulnerable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vulnerable. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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