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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
Mills, a longtime associate of Fiona Apple, knows this territory well: the pointed self-analysis of an extremely sensitive person. Jenn Pelly, Time, 7 June 2025 For an asset as complicated as Wembley, with a large and lucrative premium-ticket offering, that assessment is very sensitive to interest-rate movements, the state of the economy, how well England’s teams are playing and which music stars are coming to town in the summer. Matt Slater, New York Times, 7 June 2025
Noun
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 See All Example Sentences for sensitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensitive
Adjective
  • If her body isn’t always willing, her mind and her heart are still keen on the sport, so Press makes her most valuable contributions now in the quiet of the locker room.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
  • According to insiders, Ahuja still believes in Rothman and wasn’t keen on a big shake-up, not when the studio has momentum, is profitable and is about to undertake the ambitious and risky move of releasing all four of Sam Mendes’ Beatles films in April 2028.
    Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • China’s economy remains vulnerable, though: Prices fell again, cementing fears of deflation.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 10 June 2025
  • Healthcare providers and community leaders must also educate patients about vaccination benefits, particularly for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and those with high exposure.
    Dr. Jerome Adams, Time, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • By the time Trump met Kim for a second summit in Hanoi, Trump’s attention had drifted from North Korea, and both men’s greed for a quick deal derailed their fragile progress.
    John Delury, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025
  • That’s where trust can become fragile if leaders start to chase proxies instead of performance.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Rocking, hand-flapping or repeating sounds are types of stimming that can help neurodivergent people self-soothe or cope with sensory challenges.
    Pamela Furr, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • There are 15 ground-level activities and eight sensory play experiences for discovery.
    Phil Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • No matter how sweet, the little crocodile grows bigger and more difficult to care for.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 10 June 2025
  • Despite her risky gambit, Metcalfe, who is studying to be an attorney at the University of Law in Manchester, England, admits that her sport has helped her through some of the most difficult times of her life.
    Andy Frye, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • While some pet psychics may use different approaches to communicate with an animal, MacKinnon prefers not to see a photo or video of a pet before a session.
    Athena Sobhan, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Future speakers will include psychics, energy healers and people who deal with spells and other otherworldly topics, Antico said.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • The original rat killer Published April 25, 2007 With one quick flick of his wrist, Scott Mellanby felled a rodent and became part of South Florida sports lore.
    Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
  • By the time Trump met Kim for a second summit in Hanoi, Trump’s attention had drifted from North Korea, and both men’s greed for a quick deal derailed their fragile progress.
    John Delury, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Insulated pots can also provide a bit of extra protection for root systems that can be susceptible to extreme temperature swings, Vater says.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 June 2025
  • Most aren’t susceptible to personal appeals with no payback.
    Stephen Collinson, CNN Money, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensitive. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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