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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

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 exposed
Adjective
Cut off pointed tip of garlic bulbs to create an exposed surface. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2025 Don’t love the exposed brick, but the skylights are great and the bathtub is fantastic. Nora Deligter, Curbed, 3 Jan. 2025
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
  • Although dogs appear to be less susceptible to the virus than cats, and generally experience milder symptoms, contaminated food products pose risks to canines, too.
    Emily Anthes, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
  • All skin is susceptible to the damage that UV rays can cause, including wrinkles, premature aging, and skin cancer, so slather yourself with a generous amount of SPF daily, and not just once.
    Emily Orofino, Vogue, 22 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
  • Freezing temperatures may present health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as infants and older adults Snow can disrupt travel and lead to hazardous driving conditions.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Today, Cicero remains ground zero as the most vulnerable town in Illinois during immigration raids.
    Esteban Rodriguez, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The identity of a third victim who was hospitalized has not been revealed.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025
  • To play, just make your selection in the multiple-choice list and the correct answer will be revealed.
    J. D. Biersdorfer, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Under the policy, ICE agents were permitted to enter sensitive locations, such as schools, churches, and hospitals, only under specific circumstances.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Unlike phishing campaigns targeting the entire workforce, red team exercises often involve precise objectives or trophies, such as gaining access to a critical system or sensitive data.
    Lauren Carpenter, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Guests are asked to dangle toys from wands rather than handle cats with their bare hands, and keep from waking any felines sleeping in their circular nooks.
    Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Her navy silk wool double-breasted coat was nipped at the waist and worn with bare legs and stiletto heels.
    Leah Dolan, CNN, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
    John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
  • But experts say this order may leave Americans unprotected from emerging diseases such as bird flu and Marburg — and inhibit the agency from responding to new threats.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 21 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 5 Feb. 2025.

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