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verb

past tense of expose
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective exposed contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of exposed are liable, open, prone, sensitive, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

When would liable be a good substitute for exposed?

The synonyms liable and exposed are sometimes interchangeable, but liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

When is open a more appropriate choice than exposed?

While in some cases nearly identical to exposed, open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When might prone be a better fit than exposed?

Although the words prone and exposed have much in common, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

Where would sensitive be a reasonable alternative to exposed?

The words sensitive and exposed can be used in similar contexts, but sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When is it sensible to use subject instead of exposed?

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

all reports are subject to review

When can susceptible be used instead of exposed?

The words susceptible and exposed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable.

very susceptible to flattery

Examples 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 exposed
Adjective
Retaining S-400s in Syria no longer serves Russia’s strategic interests since the systems became more exposed following the takeover of the country, including Latakia, by anti-Assad armed groups. Paul Iddon, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 As water levels recede, the exposed lake bed is dry and dusty, and frequently emits a hold-your-nose rotten-egg stench, the result of natural processes, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
Pregnant women who are exposed to listeria are at risk of pregnancy loss, stillbirth, premature delivery or the life-threatening infection of their newborn. George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 If you are exposed to it over and over again as a child, it's destigmatized instead of being scary or difficult to understand. Monique Wilson, Glamour, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for exposed 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exposed
Adjective
  • Consequently, consumers endure the worst of both worlds: a commodity that is susceptible to rapid price increases, lacking the infrastructure to reduce prices during periods of overproduction, all while relying on an emissions-intensive delivery system.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Injuries happen in the NHL all the time, but some roles and positions are more susceptible to them.
    Shayna Goldman, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • As Magic defender Anthony Black followed the ball-handling Brunson, an uncovered Towns rolled to the basket, collected a bounce pass and soared to the basket for an easy one-handed dunk.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 Dec. 2024
  • But the family soon faced $2,300 of Caleb’s uncovered medical bills from the crash.
    Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Aug. 2024
Adjective
  • Even the most reliable income streams are vulnerable to external factors beyond your control.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • So much sadness and anger and sometimes tenderness, but at all times vulnerable lyrically.
    Liza Lentini, SPIN, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Their findings revealed that persistent visual cues of disorganization deplete our cognitive resources and impair our ability to concentrate.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Known for documenting her experiences on over 60 cruises, her journey aboard Global Mercy showcased a stark contrast to her usual floating escapes—and revealed how cruise ship design and operations underpin this vital humanitarian effort.
    David Nikel, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The members of the panel, known as CFIUS, had similar concerns about Grindr to the ones lawmakers have about TikTok — that the app could be used to give the Chinese government access to sensitive data about Americans, including their locations and dating preferences.
    Meaghan Tobin, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Authoritarian regimes should not have unfettered access to millions of Americans’ sensitive data.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This is to anchor the space, look pretty, and provide a warmer surface for bare feet.
    Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The corporate landscape is so misaligned from modern needs that phenomena like quiet quitting–psychologically disengaging from work and doing the bare minimum–have become prevalent.
    True Tamplin, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Never store passwords in an unprotected digital document on your computer (no Google docs), and consider only storing your crypto seed phrases with pen and paper in a safe or locked box at home.
    Kate Irwin, PCMAG, 10 Jan. 2025
  • As the drones streamed video, the 19-ton Stryker accelerated across the field, turning sharply to line up on Russian soldiers caught unprotected in the snow.
    David Axe, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But once the job became a reality, Williams discovered the job was unsustainable.
    Alysa Guffey, The Indianapolis Star, 24 Dec. 2024
  • The picture, discovered by WMAR-2 reporter Elizabeth Worthington at Vito's Pizza in Baltimore City, depicts Mangione in holy robes with a golden halo, resembling depictions of Jesus Christ.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near exposed

Cite this Entry

“Exposed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exposed. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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