liable

adjective

ˈlī-ə-bəl How to pronounce liable (audio)
Definition of liablenext
1
as in susceptible
being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm because of his frail constitution, he's liable to diseases

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in responsible
being the one who must meet an obligation or suffer the consequences for failing to do so the owner of a pet is liable for any damage that that pet might do

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective liable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of liable are exposed, open, prone, sensitive, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

When is it sensible to use exposed instead of liable?

The words exposed and liable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

In what contexts can open take the place of liable?

While the synonyms open and liable are close in meaning, open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When might prone be a better fit than liable?

The meanings of prone and liable largely overlap; however, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

When would sensitive be a good substitute for liable?

While in some cases nearly identical to liable, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When is subject a more appropriate choice than liable?

In some situations, the words subject and liable are roughly equivalent. However, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

When could susceptible be used to replace liable?

The synonyms susceptible and liable are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 liable Trump and Musk are truly onions made of glass: shiny orbs of one insubstantial layer over another, with nothing in the center, liable to be shattered under the slightest pressure. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025 Cates flipped to the second page: The jurors had found Blue Cross liable for fraud. —T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 Apr. 2025 Hobbs' team had an extremely high bar to reach to get the jury to find the five guards liable, said Wasilczuk. —Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 12 Apr. 2025 The bill strives to offer both regular Americans and superstars rights to their voices and likenesses, providing them the opportunity to hold both infringers and platforms liable. —Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for liable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liable
  1. susceptible
  2. responsible
  3. vulnerable
  4. sensitive
  5. exposed
  6. prone
Adjective
  • Those who are not vaccinated are susceptible to the disease, Calendar said.
    — Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Risks to Consider Broadcom is still susceptible to broader economic trends.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of susceptible
Adjective
  • But human activity is responsible for about 90% of all wildfires in the nation.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Despite the pretence, Tindall is an elite coach with a sharp tactical brain, responsible for overseeing Newcastle’s defence and orchestrating set pieces.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of responsible
Adjective
  • However, despite these framework implementations, many businesses are still vulnerable to cyber threats.
    — Vytautas Kaziukonis, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • However, those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, children, older adults, and people who are pregnant are particularly vulnerable.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of vulnerable
Adjective
  • Companies frequently suffer data breaches, leaking large amounts of sensitive information.
    — Vytautas Kaziukonis, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • According to the air quality index, anything over 100 for pollutants and fine particulates in the air is considered unhealthy, especially for people who are sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants, including children and adults with pre-existing respiratory problems.
    — Jon Haworth, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • Top stock picks With oil prices under pressure, UBS sees independent exploration and production firms and the oilfield services companies as the most exposed.
    — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2025
  • And, while the ball was mid-air, Zwolle’s attackers were to sprint to the penalty area to meet it on the way down and, ideally, stick it past an exposed goalkeeper.
    — Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of exposed
Adjective
  • Those running agencies for the first time are prone to make beginners’ mistakes, Mr. Foster said.
    — Luke Broadwater, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
  • At the same time, the vulnerability of U.S. conventional forces creates powerful first-strike incentives for both sides, making minor political crises and military frictions more dangerous and prone to escalation.
    — ANDREW S. LIM, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of prone

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liability
liable
liaison
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Cite this Entry

“Liable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liable. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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