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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vulnerable
Residents and visitors are advised to stay hydrated, take breaks indoors, and check on vulnerable individuals.
—
Chris Sims, IndyStar, 3 July 2025
Today, the irreplaceable has become vulnerable The ice storm that crippled northern Michigan at the end of March served as a stark warning of how irreplaceable pieces of history and sacred spaces can be lost in an instant.
—Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025
But the day-to-day instability felt by restaurant workers and hotel managers often isn’t captured in traditional data, a gap that economic consultant Dan Gerlach says can obscure the strains of more vulnerable sectors.
—Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2025
Without proper documentation and preparation, families face difficult decisions during medical emergencies, potential exploitation of vulnerable members, and devastating conflicts that can create lasting family rifts.
—Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for vulnerable
Chris Sims, IndyStar, 3 July 2025
Today, the irreplaceable has become vulnerable The ice storm that crippled northern Michigan at the end of March served as a stark warning of how irreplaceable pieces of history and sacred spaces can be lost in an instant.
—Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025
But the day-to-day instability felt by restaurant workers and hotel managers often isn’t captured in traditional data, a gap that economic consultant Dan Gerlach says can obscure the strains of more vulnerable sectors.
—Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2025
Without proper documentation and preparation, families face difficult decisions during medical emergencies, potential exploitation of vulnerable members, and devastating conflicts that can create lasting family rifts.
—Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for vulnerable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulnerable
Adjective
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This results in long, deep wounds in the surrounding flesh that are also susceptible to secondary bacterial infections, causing severe pain, and potentially death if left untreated.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
10 July 2025
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Being able to track this is super helpful because male cats are more susceptible to UTIs, which can be potentially life-threatening.—
Molly Higgins,
Wired News,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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Her precocity gives the novel its wit, but Shteyngart is also alert to the fact that a child, however bright, is fundamentally helpless. Not to mention desperate for her parents’ affection, which is in short supply for Vera.—
Mark Athitakis,
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2025
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Evans stood next to a small boat, clad in waders and helpless to stop the rising waters.—
Keisha Rowe,
The Courier-Journal,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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The thundering crackles and sharp bangs of pyrotechnics can not only frighten dogs but also cause discomfort to their sensitive ears.—
Logan Holland,
People.com,
4 July 2025
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This usually involves receiving a fake text, email or even a phone call designed to trick you into clicking a malicious link or sharing sensitive information.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
4 July 2025
Adjective
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Atlanta’s other significant players are in their early to mid-20s, and the team is sitting on a golden first-round pick in 2026 (the better of New Orleans’ or Milwaukee’s, unprotected).—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
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Nadkarni: The Denver Nuggets trading Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Cam Johnson was something of a triple whammy.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
3 July 2025
Adjective
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Enjoy 360-degree airflow that gently surrounds your neck — no exposed blades, just cool comfort from every angle.—
Toni Sutton,
People.com,
28 June 2025
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In exposed areas, the plants may need some staking.—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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These destinations are prone to extreme weather, such as hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones, which can disrupt daily life and damage infrastructure.—
Kathleen Peddicord,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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The heat and nutrients can make the sea grass more prone to disease according to the Fish and Wildlife Conservancy.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vulnerable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vulnerable. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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