exposed 1 of 2

Definition of exposednext
1
2
3

exposed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of expose
1
2
3
4

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

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
During that intrusion, the attacker discovered an exposed API that could be used to access customer information linked to 700Credit's dealership clients. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Dec. 2025 Prep Your Home’s Exterior Winterizing is an important step to protect exposed infrastructure from damage caused by cold temperatures or heavy snowfall. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2025
Verb
Eating fish with high levels of mercury in their tissue is the most common way humans are exposed to mercury. Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 1 Apr. 2026 Radiation monitoring Once Orion leaves Earth's protective magnetic field, astronauts are exposed to higher levels of space radiation. Briana Alvarado, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exposed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exposed
Adjective
  • Writers said the article emphasized findings that were subjective and susceptible to bias.
    David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Long-term drought conditions mean that vegetation is especially susceptible to fire.
    Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In other cases, the complaint alleges, Kinex would bundle an uncovered medical device commonly prescribed after surgery with a device that was not needed for recovery but was covered by insurance, the complaint says.
    Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The restaurant was in violation of 10 standards, including containers of uncovered food and dishes stacked wet.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • On his goal, Thomas swooped into the middle lane to dust McTavish and receive a slick feed from Broberg that sent him toward a vulnerable Dostál with speed for a rising shot.
    Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
  • But the memo indicates homelessness spending might not be as vulnerable to cuts as other programs because the city now has roughly $33 million in hotel tax revenue to spend each year on homelessness.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The winner will be honored on the Fort Worth All-Area Team, which will be revealed Monday.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The imaging revealed some thickening in my breast tissue, which can indicate anything from an infection or cyst to (rarely) cancer.
    Jillian Wager, Glamour, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Scores are displayed in the vehicle during the ride, both per game and cumulative.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
  • New Art reveals it has been stored away, bought and sold as a private acquisition, and has never been displayed.
    Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Carnival celebrations from this time period also exhibited class conflict.
    Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Atlanta begins work today with no more concern for the clock-changing order, put into effect Sunday morning, than would be exhibited had the sun, of its own accord, started to rise and set on a new schedule.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This wasn’t surprising, given that intelligence agencies compartmentalize information about sensitive operations.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • It is well understood in the region that could mean things like broad targeting of sensitive and highly vulnerable energy installations, something Iran has already threatened, essential for the regional and global economies, as well as hard to quickly repair and rebuild.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Workers in luminous yellow jackets sat on bare concrete slabs during games, occasionally fetching footballs that flew through the uprights and bounced around.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Combined with her rounded almond shape, Gomez's nails look clean and healthy with just the right amount of shine for an elevated take on a bare nail.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 28 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exposed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exposed. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on exposed

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster