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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective susceptible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of susceptible are exposed, liable, open, prone, sensitive, and subject. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable.

very susceptible to flattery

When might exposed be a better fit than susceptible?

While in some cases nearly identical to susceptible, exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

When can liable be used instead of susceptible?

Although the words liable and susceptible have much in common, liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

When could open be used to replace susceptible?

In some situations, the words open and susceptible are roughly equivalent. However, open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When would prone be a good substitute for susceptible?

The words prone and susceptible are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

In what contexts can sensitive take the place of susceptible?

While the synonyms sensitive and susceptible are close in meaning, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

Where would subject be a reasonable alternative to susceptible?

The meanings of subject and susceptible largely overlap; however, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

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 susceptible The material also has a pH-balancing effect, and pressing the dome to the face can make the skin more alkaline and less susceptible to acne and inflammation. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 22 Feb. 2025 Measles can be serious and even deadly in all people, but some groups are more susceptible to its effects, according to the CDC. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025 Infants and young children are also very susceptible; globally, pneumonia kills more children under the age of 5 than any other infectious disease. Katia Hetter, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025 Depending on the material, some cooling racks are susceptible to rust. Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for susceptible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for susceptible
Adjective
  • Arsenal lacked urgency in possession, and were uncharacteristically vulnerable in defence.
    James McNicholas, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
  • The disappearance of some of the Hamptons’ most vulnerable residents would have an immediate effect on some of the nation’s wealthiest.
    Dionne Searcey, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In Texarkana, the year before, men and boys amused themselves by cutting off strips of flesh and thrusting knives into their helpless victim.
    Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Amick stars alongside James Spader as a beguiling beauty whom Spader is helpless before.
    Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Apart from big technology firms (which are easier to decarbonize), large industrial companies that have engaged in the climate conversation have set mid-century targets.
    Justin Worland, TIME, 25 Feb. 2025
  • The Pioneer Woman’s Three-Piece Mixing Bowls are durable, versatile, and easy to store.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This question asks for personal sensitive information that is protected by privacy laws.
    Terry Parris Jr., New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Many fractional leaders work across industries or sign non-compete agreements to avoid working with direct competitors, but companies must establish clear expectations to protect sensitive information.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • That would have netted the Hornets an unprotected 2031 pick, a 2030 swap and Dalton Knecht for a talented but oft-injured center.
    The Athletic NBA Staff, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
  • With the trade being voided, rookie wing Dalton Knecht, veteran wing Cam Reddish and their 2031 unprotected first-round draft pick will return to the Lakers.
    Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The story sounds like something right out of a horror movie: this fungus hacks the brain of its host, driving the normally shy spiders out of their lairs and webs to an exposed surface.
    Michael Irving, New Atlas, 2 Feb. 2025
  • Zuckerberg has just recently emerged from his own masculinist makeover, which turned him from a pale coder to a buff and bronzed bro, and his openly suggestive glance at Sanchez’s exposed chest seemed like an appropriate capstone to Trump’s Inaugural Address.
    Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But in the transactional world of Trump, Musk, and DOGE, the concept of career civil servants taking lower-paying, apolitical work to serve an intangible greater good is naive at best.
    Adam Chandler, TIME, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The idea sounds simple, even naive: Fix the money, fix the world.
    Bryan Benson, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Best for acne prone: CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum 14/14 CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum $23 $19 Amazon Best for: Ensuring lasting hydration and soothing dry patches.
    Denise Primbet, Glamour, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Francis previously suffered an acute case of pneumonia in 2023 and remains prone to respiratory infections during the winter months.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Susceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/susceptible. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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