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Definition of exposednext
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exposed

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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
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
But some women’s names were exposed among 3 million pages released so far. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026 Even more unusual is for this dark-arts activity to end up exposed in court filings. Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exposed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exposed
Adjective
  • These cows yield more milk but can be more susceptible to health problems.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Because telling Starfleet that the Furies are part Lynar, and particularly susceptible to high sonic frequencies, is just an ingenious ruse.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Several uncovered food items were found inside all the refrigerators.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado January 30, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Inside, organizers enacted extreme heat protocols, forcing closure of the retractable roofs over the main arenas and postponement of matches on the uncovered outer courts.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Guthrie was already physically vulnerable.
    Paige Williams, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The expedition collected an unprecedented number of chemical, physical and biological samples that will help scientists understand ecosystem connections, biodiversity patterns and how vulnerable these deep-sea environments may be.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Tian Feng, former dean of SenseTime’s Intelligence Industry Research Institute, revealed that the free provision of T800 robots will help smaller companies overcome research and development barriers.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
  • After House Democrats revealed plans to force votes disapproving of the president’s Canada tariffs as soon as this week, GOP leaders sought to resuscitate their year-long procedural blockade that keeps those resolutions off the floor.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • While a statement-making Mind the Gap wallpaper featuring Hindu goddesses transforms the powder room into a vibrant tribute to Rai and her partner’s Indian heritage, displayed alongside family heirlooms.
    Linne Halpern, Architectural Digest, 12 Feb. 2026
  • The message is being displayed continuously cycled on the electric billboard along Interstate 95 in New Haven near Tweed New Haven Airport.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • From setting records as a Texas high school prep star to announcing his presence to the world in the Rose Bowl to becoming the NFL receiving king, Smith-Njigba has exhibited excellence at every level.
    Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Her paintings were exhibited in galleries in Westport and at the nearby Silvermine Guild.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Thus, the article stressed that the Chinese navy must urgently address these risks, offering an unusually detailed proposal for a systematic crash-response plan, drawing lessons from US Navy salvage practices to improve readiness and protect sensitive technology.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The Skechers Aero Razor harnesses the explosive benefits of superfoam while maintaining a sensitive, stable ride.
    Cory Smith, Outside, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • There was a metal cot, a coal-burning stove and a bare light bulb hanging from the ceiling.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
  • After the blooms on your moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) have shriveled and fallen off the plant, you're left with a long, bare green stem (technically called a spike).
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exposed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exposed. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

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