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

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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 While consumers and retail companies have been holding up surprisingly well through a world of trouble — from war to inflation to political uncertainty — the fashion industry is still vulnerable to shocks on Wall Street. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 8 July 2026 The American Veterinary Medical Association says newborn animals and animals with open wounds or who have undergone surgery or other medical procedures recently are especially vulnerable. — John Hanna, Fortune, 8 July 2026 Brazil is among the most vulnerable countries to the weather pattern, as roughly half of the country’s power supply comes from hydroelectricity. — Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 Was the hurriedly outfitted 747 more vulnerable to threats from Iran, which shares a border with Turkey, and which Trump had just threatened to strike again? — Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for vulnerable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulnerable

Adjective

Creamer of the Fresh Fruit Association said the state food and agriculture department’s lagging pest and disease prevention funding makes the state more susceptible to the kinds of incidents that happened recently.

— Lizzie Kane July 9, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
Infections, other immune-system stressors and, more rarely, brain injuries may also contribute in genetically susceptible individuals.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Definition of susceptible

Adjective

Bernstein plays with that distance like a telephone cord wrapped around her fingers, and Eleni — played by the excellent newcomer Cemre Paksoy, powerfully helpless — only frays even more as the receiver is brought near the hook.

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 9 July 2026
The leading interpretation is that Smilodon delivered a single precise bite to the throat or belly, severing something vital in a target that was already helpless.

— Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of helpless

Adjective

The autonomous coding tool can send sensitive information to a remote server without a user’s consent, the statement said in Chinese, according to a CNBC translation.

— Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 8 July 2026
The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the possible crash.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026

Definition of sensitive

Adjective

Last month, the Clippers agreed in principle to trade Leonard to the Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 July 2026
The Clippers and Raptors agreed to a trade on June 30 that would send Leonard to Toronto in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round draft picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap and two second-round picks.

— Janis Carr, Oc Register, 9 July 2026

Definition of unprotected

Adjective

When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods.

— Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 8 July 2026
During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026

Definition of prone

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“Vulnerable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vulnerable. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of vulnerable

adjective

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