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as in sensory
of or relating to physical sensation or the senses sensitive data

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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sensitive

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noun

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
Our team reflects different lash textures and lengths, glam preferences, and eye sensitives such as allergies and contact lens-wearers. Olivia Cigliano, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019 What This Means For You Anyone can use a hair oil, but choosing one and determining how often to use it depends on your hair type, personal sensitives, and hair care needs. Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2024
Noun
Such actions are rare, especially in politically sensitive cases involving serious crimes. Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025 The bar code contains a lot of sensitive data, including your frequent flyer number, which may be linked to your email address, phone number, or other personal details. Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensitive
Adjective
  • Joe, who has asthma, strongly opposes the implementation of mask mandates that Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) is keen to enforce.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 23 July 2025
  • That’s another substantive topic worthy of keen chatter.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Customers are inherently sticky, but Tenev knows that the old giants of the financial world, including Fidelity, Schwab and Merrill Lynch, are vulnerable as trillions in Boomer assets are bequeathed to their digital-native offspring.
    Nina Bambysheva, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • Because age is the highest risk factor, Florida’s large senior population is especially vulnerable.
    Kim Praitano, Sun Sentinel, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • Set in post-war America, The Great Mann is a compelling narrative of the fragile nature of progress in a country still shaped by segregation.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Simonds recommends hanging garments in a cool, dry place in the off-season and avoiding folding heirloom or fragile pieces.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The show’s like one of those sensory dancing-fruit videos, just with a bit more plot.
    Vulture Editors, Vulture, 23 July 2025
  • Where many artists have recently taken to expressing challenges with mental health in their music, BBM achieves something more sensory.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Some students may face family challenges that affect their ability to get to school, and some changes to the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test, such as its move to online instead of paper form, could be difficult for students who only access computers at school, Maldonado said.
    Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Diseases that are difficult to manage without early intervention, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer, place a significant burden on health care budgets and patient quality of life.
    Kim Praitano, Sun Sentinel, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • This night market will feature crystals, plants, books, jewelry, oddities, curiosities and psychics.
    Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
  • Sacred Journey Market: The Light Market Browse crystal and metaphysical vendors, visit with tarot readers, energy healers, psychics and more, and take part in seminars on astrology, crystal healing, and spiritual self-care.
    Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Even just a quick five-minute vacuuming of high-traffic areas offers an instant refresh.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Thank you for your bravery and quick actions in protecting the public!
    Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • People with diabetes have trouble regulating blood sugar and may be more susceptible to orange juice raising blood sugar, which is why they are often counseled to avoid orange juice.11 However, studies on this subject are contradictory.
    Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 22 July 2025
  • Microgravity, radiation, confinement and a change in sleep-wake cycles and can exert pressure on cells, driving lower immune systems and making astronauts more susceptible to being sick during or after missions.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensitive. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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