PRONE Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'prone' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of prone are exposed , liable , open , sensitive , subject , and susceptible . While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something. // prone to delay

Q: When would 'exposed' be a good substitute for 'prone'?

The words exposed and prone 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

Q: When is 'liable' a more appropriate choice than 'prone'?

In some situations, the words liable and prone are roughly equivalent. However, liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation. // liable to get lost

Q: In what contexts can 'open' take the place of 'prone'?

The synonyms open and prone are sometimes interchangeable, but open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence. // a claim open to question

Q: When can 'sensitive' be used instead of 'prone'?

The meanings of sensitive and prone largely overlap; however, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli. // unduly sensitive to criticism

Q: When could 'subject' be used to replace 'prone'?

The words subject and prone can be used in similar contexts, but subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone. // all reports are subject to review

Q: Where would 'susceptible' be a reasonable alternative to 'prone'?

While the synonyms susceptible and prone are close in meaning, susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable. // very susceptible to flattery

prone

adjective

ˈprōn

Definition of prone next

as in inclined

having a tendency to be or act in a certain way he was prone to emotional outbursts under stress

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in prostrate

lying with the face downwards quickly subdue the suspect and get him into a prone position

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective prone contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of prone are exposed, liable, open, sensitive, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

When would exposed be a good substitute for prone?

The words exposed and prone 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

When is liable a more appropriate choice than prone?

In some situations, the words liable and prone are roughly equivalent. However, liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

In what contexts can open take the place of prone?

The synonyms open and prone are sometimes interchangeable, but open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When can sensitive be used instead of prone?

The meanings of sensitive and prone largely overlap; however, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When could subject be used to replace prone?

The words subject and prone can be used in similar contexts, but subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

Where would susceptible be a reasonable alternative to prone?

While the synonyms susceptible and prone are close in meaning, 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 prone Many air conditioners are prone to mold buildup due to moisture. —

Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods. —

Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2025 This natural stone is porous enough to stain, soft enough to scratch, and prone to damage from chemicals. —

Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 May 2025 Ultimately, even with the data stack available, MTA is prone to bias. —

Rahul Wankhede, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prone

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prone

Adjective

Clients who use Preqin could be more inclined to tap BlackRock for its other services as well.

— Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 10 June 2025
Meltzer, who has had his own issues with AEW numbers, was inclined to believe AEW adds an additional 500,000 viewers on Max.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

Definition of inclined

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“Prone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prone. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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Last Updated: 16 Jun 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of prone

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Challenging Words You Should Know

Prone vs. Supine vs. Prostrate

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