VULNERABLE Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

vulnerable

adjective

ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl

Definition of vulnerable

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 During their time at Atlanta’s zoo, the pair is meant to breed to boost panda populations, which are considered vulnerable by conservationists. — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026 Councilmember Mai Vang said that the $8 million program is one method the city is taking to prevent homelessness among a demographic that is statistically more vulnerable to being unhoused. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026 Before a judge even approved a court settlement aimed at improving Kansas foster care, there were bold, hopeful predictions for the state and its most vulnerable children. — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2026 For one, as the AI bubble makes 401(k)s vulnerable, particularly for those nearing retirement, AI is simultaneously altering how people engage with their funds. — Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vulnerable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulnerable

Adjective

Control Apple maggot flies are closely monitored in susceptible regions, and small outbreaks can sometimes be managed without conventional pesticides.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026
White wines and rosés are especially susceptible to the phenomenon known as lightstrike, but sunlight can ruin any wine.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of susceptible

Adjective

The housing market, being the most interest rate sensitive sector, bears the initial brunt of this pressure.

— , CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Saavedra admitted to illegally using his department credentials to access sensitive law enforcement databases on Iza’s behalf.

— Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of sensitive

Adjective

Rising premiums and outdated federal flood maps leave many people unprotected, while the program struggles to balance affordability, accurate risk pricing and taxpayer costs.

— Michael Phillis, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Once inside the animal, unprotected trace minerals can interact with compounds such as phytate, reducing the amount available for absorption.

— Aidan Connolly, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of unprotected

Adjective

The end result would be a gassy surface shining as brightly as a more exposed black hole but with the Balmer break and smooth red hump of a 5,000-kelvin star, de Graaff and Naidu theorized.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026
Morgan Stanley said Equinix and Digital Realty are less exposed because their facilities average roughly 5 to 10 megawatts, far below the gigawatt-scale AI campuses planned by hyperscalers and neocloud operators.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of exposed

Adjective

Riley didn’t catch his player taunting the Oregon sideline as the Ducks watched their teammate lay prone at the USC 12-yard line.

— Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
Crews are also preparing for potential problems on the low-lying and flood-prone Hudson line.

— Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of prone

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“Vulnerable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vulnerable. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of vulnerable

adjective

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