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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
For those with sensitive skin, this formula is fragrance-, paraben-, and dye-free. Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2025 Using a laser to stimulate M cone cells, which are sensitive to wavelengths of green, participants were said to have seen a color that had not been seen in natural vision. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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 The fair is not the place for introverts, neat freaks, sensitives, or anyone who cannot tolerate unrelenting, bone-deep heat. Paige Williams, The New Yorker, 2 Oct. 2023 See All Example Sentences for sensitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensitive
Adjective
  • In footage shared with Newsweek by Ring, the super smart pooch can be seen quite literally knocking on the door with his paw, evidently keen to be let back into the house.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Bayern Munich, however, was keen to upset the odds and leveled the aggregate score when Harry Kane expertly scored from a tight angle early in the second half.
    Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2025
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
Adjective
  • Together these missions have let planetary scientists like me study pristine, fragile carbonaceous material from asteroids.
    Patrick M. Shober, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Israel Defense Forces leveled a village in northern Gaza in the days following the collapse of the fragile ceasefire that went into effect earlier this year.
    Kerem Inal, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Experts recommend considering sensory needs, dietary restrictions, and interests when choosing a destination.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • This may include sensory friendly environments with lower noise, natural lighting, or accommodations for sensory needs like swings, foam cushions, fidgets, or headphones.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Whitecaps won games in Mexico, which is difficult to do.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The longer-term outlook for Apple looks increasingly difficult to navigate, according to Bank of America.
    Brian Evans, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In their search for Nam’s father, Nam and Hoa enlist the help of a famed psychic who specializes in locating soldiers’ remains.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Instead the psychics, who turned out to be mother and daughter, split us up: Hechinger in the back room, me in the front.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This mower features a quick start system and a side discharge for efficient grass management.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Telegraphed data arrived in the morning, and FitzRoy made quick extrapolations from his knowledge of storm theories, sending forecasts an hour later.
    Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Those who are not vaccinated are susceptible to the disease, Calendar said.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Learn more about management options and which food plants are most susceptible to this insect in our harlequin bug on vegetables web page.
    Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensitive. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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