SUSCEPTIBLE Synonyms: 113 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of susceptible are exposed , liable , open , prone , sensitive , and subject . While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable. // very susceptible to flattery

Q: When might 'exposed' be a better fit than 'susceptible'?

While in some cases nearly identical to susceptible , exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening. // exposed to infection

Q: When can 'liable' be used instead of 'susceptible'?

Although the words liable and susceptible have much in common, 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 'susceptible'?

In some situations, the words open and susceptible are roughly equivalent. However, open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence. // a claim open to question

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

The words prone and susceptible are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something. // prone to delay

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

While the synonyms sensitive and susceptible are close in meaning, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli. // unduly sensitive to criticism

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

The meanings of subject and susceptible largely overlap; however, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone. // all reports are subject to review

susceptible

adjective

sə-ˈsep-tə-bəl

Definition of susceptible next

as in vulnerable

being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm some people are more susceptible to depression during the winter because of reduced exposure to sunlight

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as in helpless

lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack completely susceptible and totally defenseless against the imploring eyes of the puppy in the pet store

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in naive

readily taken advantage of having recently lost his job, he was more susceptible to the illusory promises of get-rich-quick schemes

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective susceptible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of susceptible are exposed, liable, open, prone, sensitive, and subject. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable.

very susceptible to flattery

When might exposed be a better fit than susceptible?

While in some cases nearly identical to susceptible, exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

When can liable be used instead of susceptible?

Although the words liable and susceptible have much in common, 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 susceptible?

In some situations, the words open and susceptible are roughly equivalent. However, open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When would prone be a good substitute for susceptible?

The words prone and susceptible are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

In what contexts can sensitive take the place of susceptible?

While the synonyms sensitive and susceptible are close in meaning, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

Where would subject be a reasonable alternative to susceptible?

The meanings of subject and susceptible largely overlap; however, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

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 susceptible Big crypto companies are not the only ones susceptible to attacks by North Koreans. —

Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026 Bee balm loves moisture but is susceptible to powdery mildew, so choose a variety that is resistant. —

Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026 Urban canals are also susceptible because of nutrient runoff and pollution from roads, lawns and septic systems. —

Eric Henderson, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026 Fellow pro hair stylist and colorist Madison Clifford agrees, further diving into what makes these hair types more susceptible to humidity. —

Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for susceptible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for susceptible

Adjective

On his goal, Thomas swooped into the middle lane to dust McTavish and receive a slick feed from Broberg that sent him toward a vulnerable Dostál with speed for a rising shot.

— Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
But the memo indicates homelessness spending might not be as vulnerable to cuts as other programs because the city now has roughly $33 million in hotel tax revenue to spend each year on homelessness.

— David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026

Definition of vulnerable

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“Susceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/susceptible. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

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