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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

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 susceptible The problems are not susceptible to one solution but families should not go bankrupt from interminable family law litigation. Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 30 Oct. 2024 For example, hardwood and laminate floors are more prone to warping, while vinyl is susceptible to surface abrasions. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024 The core of this argument is one that is finding receptive audiences, especially in states where voters might not love Harris but are susceptible to the suggestion that the United States needs to move past the chaos of the Trump years. Philip Elliott, TIME, 29 Oct. 2024 Partly as a result of this, and partly because of its emotionally potent subject matter, the field is extremely susceptible to unwarranted anthropomorphic interpretations. Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for susceptible 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for susceptible
Adjective
  • The older trees themselves, more exposed in the landscape, could be more vulnerable to windstorms.
    April Ehrlich, ProPublica, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Beijing, on the other hand, remains reliant on Taiwanese technology products for its manufacturing industry, meaning that China is now arguably more vulnerable to a disruption in cross-strait trade than Taiwan.
    David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • While Chris Smith lay helpless, authorities say Tarr was plotting to silence him forever.
    Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2024
  • This creates a helpless but highly effective kind of suspense, as Iris must rely on her tormentor to mess up, at least until her limbs start to respond again.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 25 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • But because pressured waterfowl aren’t easy to fool, hunters have been trying to perfect the art of decoy deception to swing the odds in their favor.
    Alice Jones Webb, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
  • To make this easier, appointments are not required.
    Kff Health News, Orange County Register, 13 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Bhatia sees microdosing as an option for clients who come to her office with the goal of losing 20 pounds or less or patients who have proved to be sensitive to the side effects of GLP-1, which include nausea, constipation, lack of energy and diarrhea.
    Jackie Snow, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
  • An aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is accused of leaking sensitive information to two news outlets in the hopes of sabotaging a hostage deal with Hamas in a political scandal that has roiled Israeli politics.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The new advice is to test anyone with a significant bird flu exposure, such as an unprotected worker who’s been splashed in the face with raw milk on a dairy farm with known H5N1 infections in the herds.
    Erika Edwards, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Since teams aren't permitted to trade draft picks more than seven years in the future, the Bucks can only offer their fully unprotected 2031 first-round pick and their 2031 second-round pick in trades this season.
    Bryan Toporek, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Rebuilding any of these defense and weapons facilities could take months, putting a strain on any potential response by Iran, which is now more exposed and less able to replenish missiles.
    Freddie Clayton, NBC News, 29 Oct. 2024
  • And if bare legs and ankle boots still feel too exposed for you, play around with the styling.
    Franziska Fuchs, Glamour, 22 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Dimon went on to say that the United States needed to avoid being naive and allowing larger global events to play out without any intervention.
    Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
  • In a bloody good mix of horror comedy and murder mystery, Sam Richardson plays a naive but good-hearted forest ranger new to a small Vermont town out to catch a killer (who may or may not be a werewolf) among the various kooky residents. 55.
    Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 25 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • The distinctive body is well suited for left-handed users as well as righties, but the hyper-glossy exterior is prone to smudging.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
  • As an artist, Rebecca Moses is prone to taking the unfamiliar route.
    David Moin, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near susceptible

Cite this Entry

“Susceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/susceptible. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on susceptible

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