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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
Big Deal Identity fraud has reached a new threshold of sophistication and the banking sector is among the most exposed. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 2 June 2026 The outer layers of the star will eventually cool and disperse, leaving a nebula of ex-stellar material surrounding the sun's core, which will then become an exposed cooling stellar remnant called a white dwarf. Robert Lea, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
Children exposed to smoke have more frequent colds, ear infections and bronchitis and smoke levels in a vehicle can reach levels comparable to what a firefighter experiences during 4 to 8 hours of battling a wildfire, according to the children’s hospital report. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026 In 2020, federal prosecutors exposed an international bribery scheme involving Amazon sellers and employees. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for exposed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exposed
Adjective
  • However, people with weakened immune systems or certain underlying health conditions may be more susceptible to infection.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Cooking Oils Cooking oils high in unsaturated fats, such as olive, walnut, and flaxseed oils, are among the pantry items most susceptible to heat damage.
    Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • How To Keep It Cleaner Longer While synthetic wicker furniture is built to take the elements, wicker pieces woven from natural materials are porous and are not meant to be left out in uncovered areas.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 19 June 2026
  • So will many of you seated in uncovered sections.
    Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Key industries like agriculture, outdoor recreation, and the power grid are structurally vulnerable to water scarcity and extreme weather, exacerbated by climate change.
    Kelly Fleming, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • The gang members and associates allegedly focused on recruiting vulnerable minor girls and young women, many of whom came from broken homes or had fallen through the foster care system, Essayli said Wednesday.
    Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • While chatting with ExtraTV at the Tight Ends & Friends concert presented by Sports Illustrated and Reese's, San Francisco 49ers player George Kittle confirmed he was invited to the upcoming ceremony — and revealed one of the pair's wedding rules.
    Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • Research on elite competitive eaters revealed that some individuals can train to increase the elasticity of their stomachs.
    Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Tourists are seen at the forecourt of the iconic Gateway of India as a digital display of messaging app WhatsApp is displayed, in Mumbai on August 25, 2023.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 2 July 2026
  • During the celebration, a state-of-the art-Charlie Daniels hologram will be displayed.
    Janelle Ash , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Schultz’s second chip commission followed only in 2008, and both works were exhibited at Documenta 14 in 2017.
    Lua Vollaard, ARTnews.com, 24 June 2026
  • Over the course of his 40-year career, director Richard Fleischer exhibited about as much range as any director in Hollywood.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Rescuers then wait intently for any indication of life, using sensitive microphones or telescopic cameras or simply pressing an ear against the rubble, hoping to detect a voice, a knock or the faintest movement.
    Fernanda Pesce, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • So far, the administration has sued multiple states unsuccessfully in attempts to obtain sensitive voter-roll data to run through a federal database known as the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, program.
    Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Residents also joined the search, using shovels and their bare hands to remove rubble in an effort to reach children trapped beneath the debris.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • So, again, be aware of an unlocked RCR 80V’s capabilities when handing the key fob over to a rider, and always gear up with a helmet, sturdy shoes, and no bare skin showing while riding.
    William Roberson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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