exposed

adjective

ex·​posed ik-ˈspōzd 

1

: open to view

2

: not shielded or protected

also : not insulated

an exposed electric wire

Synonyms of exposed

• susceptible
• vulnerable
• sensitive
• prone

Choose the Right Synonym for exposed

liable, open, exposed, subject, prone, susceptible, sensitive mean being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse.

liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable.

very susceptible to flattery

sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

Examples of exposed in a Sentence

without our immune systems we'd be exposed to all sorts of deadly infections

the exposed electrical wires were a safety hazard

Recent Examples on the Web

Hoary vervain is a drought tolerant perennial perfect for hot, exposed sites. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026

An exposed décolletage keeps the silhouette from being basic while keeping it classy. —Collette Grimes, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026

An untitled seven-part granite sculpture lines the exposed promenade, designed with the understanding that people will encounter it in wind, rain and darkness as much as in calm weather. —David Nikel, Forbes.com, 5 Feb. 2026

The Chinese delayed their retaliation for a while and then, very cunningly, took disproportionate revenge on Canada, recognizing Canada as the weaker link, who got less from the tariffs and were more exposed. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for exposed

• decomposed
• discomposed
• indisposed
• interposed
• juxtaposed
• predisposed
• presupposed
• reimposed
• superposed
• undisclosed
• undisposed
• unenclosed