SENSITIVE Synonyms: 181 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of sensitive are exposed , liable , open , prone , subject , and susceptible . While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli. // unduly sensitive to criticism

Q: When is 'exposed' a more appropriate choice than 'sensitive'?

The words exposed and sensitive 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 it sensible to use 'liable' instead of 'sensitive'?

While the synonyms liable and sensitive are close in meaning, liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation. // liable to get lost

Q: When could 'open' be used to replace 'sensitive'?

The words open and sensitive can be used in similar contexts, but open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence. // a claim open to question

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

The synonyms prone and sensitive are sometimes interchangeable, but prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something. // prone to delay

Q: When would 'subject' be a good substitute for 'sensitive'?

Although the words subject and sensitive have much in common, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone. // all reports are subject to review

Q: In what contexts can 'susceptible' take the place of 'sensitive'?

While in some cases nearly identical to sensitive , susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable. // very susceptible to flattery

sensitive 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsen(t)-sə-tiv

Definition of sensitive next

as in keen

able to sense slight impressions or differences a scale that is sensitive to the smallest change in weight

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vulnerable

being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm she's very sensitive to the sun and will burn if she's outside for any amount of time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fragile

easily injured without careful handling the sensitive skin of a newborn mouse

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sensory

of or relating to physical sensation or the senses sensitive data

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in difficult

requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling pointing out to the boss that she's wrong is always a sensitive task

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sensitive

2 of 2

noun

as in psychic

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sensitive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sensitive are exposed, liable, open, prone, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When is exposed a more appropriate choice than sensitive?

The words exposed and sensitive 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 it sensible to use liable instead of sensitive?

While the synonyms liable and sensitive are close in meaning, liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

When could open be used to replace sensitive?

The words open and sensitive can be used in similar contexts, but open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

Where would prone be a reasonable alternative to sensitive?

The synonyms prone and sensitive are sometimes interchangeable, but prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

When would subject be a good substitute for sensitive?

Although the words subject and sensitive have much in common, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

In what contexts can susceptible take the place of sensitive?

While in some cases nearly identical to sensitive, 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 sensitive

Adjective

Japan, which is particularly sensitive to inflationary pressure linked to the Iran war, given its status as a major energy importer, has also seen bond yields rise drastically in recent days. —

Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 17 May 2026 Well over half of the human population is sensitive to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. —

New York Times, 16 May 2026

Noun

Given the dearth of formal treatments and accommodations, McCampbell’s ability to help sensitives through her consulting work is somewhat limited. —

Evan Malmgren, Harper's Magazine, 21 Aug. 2024 Our beauty test team represents a range of needs and preferences, including varying lash textures and lengths, different glam preferences, and specific sensitives like those with allergies or who wear contact lenses. —

Olivia Cigliano, WWD, 30 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for sensitive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensitive

Adjective

Both countries are keen to boost that number, though where the White House’s red line is drawn — particularly around cutting-edge tech and AI components — will be key.

— Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 14 May 2026
So there’s been keen interest in McConaughey’s strategy.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 14 May 2026

Definition of keen

Browse Nearby Words

sensing

sensitive

sensitively

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“Sensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensitive. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of sensitive

adjective

noun

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