Synonyms of susceptible

susceptible

adjective

sə-ˈsep-tə-bəl 

1

as in vulnerable

being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm

some people are more susceptible to depression during the winter because of reduced exposure to sunlight

Synonyms & Similar Words

• vulnerable
• sensitive
• exposed
• prone
• liable
• endangered
• subject (to)
• in jeopardy
• open
• likely
• at risk
• in deep water
• unprotected
• unsecured
• uncovered
• unguarded
• unscreened
• undefended

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• invulnerable
• unexposed
• covered
• unsusceptible
• protected
• sheltered
• insusceptible
• secured
• shielded
• screened
• guarded
• safeguarded
• warded

2

as in helpless

lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack

completely susceptible and totally defenseless against the imploring eyes of the puppy in the pet store

Synonyms & Similar Words

• vulnerable
• helpless
• unprotected
• exposed
• defenseless
• undefended
• unguarded
• unresistant
• unsafe
• passive
• in the lurch
• unarmed
• overcome
• weak
• untenable
• feeble
• uncovered
• indefensible
• abandoned
• preyed (on or upon)
• high and dry
• disarmed
• resistless
• frail
• marooned

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• resistant
• protected
• covered
• safe
• secure
• invulnerable
• armed
• sheltered
• immune
• defensible
• fortified
• shielded
• guarded
• screened
• strong
• armored
• invincible
• impenetrable
• impregnable
• omnipotent
• unassailable
• unconquerable
• unbeatable
• almighty

3

as in naive

readily taken advantage of

having recently lost his job, he was more susceptible to the illusory promises of get-rich-quick schemes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• naive
• easy
• exploitable
• gullible
• trusting
• unwary
• wide-eyed
• innocent
• obliging
• deceivable
• genuine
• trustful
• unsophisticated
• credulous
• uncritical
• dewy-eyed
• unsuspecting
• guileless
• yielding
• unsuspicious
• malleable
• pliable
• pliant
• artless
• overcredulous
• unworldly
• acquiescent
• amiable
• simple
• agreeable
• fictile

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• wary
• critical
• suspicious
• cynical
• skeptical
• mistrustful
• sophisticated
• hardheaded
• shrewd
• clear-eyed
• clear-sighted
• streetwise
• street-smart

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

Recent Examples of susceptible

Babies, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups are thought to be potentially more susceptible to cancers brought on by low-level radiation exposure, and they are usually afforded greater protections. —Avi Asher-Schapiro, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026

Pavement becomes more susceptible to traffic when ice has thawed and weakened the road. —Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 24 Mar. 2026

With only a small amount of force, the sides and lid can easily snap in half, and the foam is highly susceptible to open flames and sharp edges. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026

These are not quite as susceptible to the global supply chain shocks that have so disrupted fossil fuels in recent years, including the current chaos for oil and natural gas due to the Iran war. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026