1
as in susceptible
being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm
I'm vulnerable to sunburn whenever I go out in the sun
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in helpless
lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack
vulnerable baby chicks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 vulnerable
The situation has widened the gap between those living on limited incomes—such as retirees and vulnerable families—and those who receive remittances from abroad.
—
Sarah Moreno
july 1,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2026
Heat can be dangerous when indoor temperatures reach 90° or above, and vulnerable groups (elderly, infants, and anyone with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions) should take caution in temps lower than that.
—
Timothy Dale,
The Spruce,
1 July 2026
In a vulnerable post shared to social media in 2020, American Horror Story star Cheyenne Jackson opened up about having had several hair transplants done over the course of 14 years.
—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
1 July 2026
In Baltimore City, people can also call 311 to report specific concerns about vulnerable neighbors on code red extreme heat alert days.
—
Tara Lynch,
CBS News,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for vulnerable
Sarah Moreno
july 1,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2026
Heat can be dangerous when indoor temperatures reach 90° or above, and vulnerable groups (elderly, infants, and anyone with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions) should take caution in temps lower than that.
—
Timothy Dale,
The Spruce,
1 July 2026
In a vulnerable post shared to social media in 2020, American Horror Story star Cheyenne Jackson opened up about having had several hair transplants done over the course of 14 years.
—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
1 July 2026
In Baltimore City, people can also call 311 to report specific concerns about vulnerable neighbors on code red extreme heat alert days.
—
Tara Lynch,
CBS News,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for vulnerable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulnerable
Adjective
-
However, people with weakened immune systems or certain underlying health conditions may be more susceptible to infection.
-
Cooking Oils Cooking oils high in unsaturated fats, such as olive, walnut, and flaxseed oils, are among the pantry items most susceptible to heat damage.
Adjective
-
The leading interpretation is that Smilodon delivered a single precise bite to the throat or belly, severing something vital in a target that was already helpless.
-
Pele controls the ball in the penalty area with his thigh, flips it over the head of the defender and smashes it past a helpless Kalle Svensson.
Adjective
-
Rescuers then wait intently for any indication of life, using sensitive microphones or telescopic cameras or simply pressing an ear against the rubble, hoping to detect a voice, a knock or the faintest movement.
-
So far, the administration has sued multiple states unsuccessfully in attempts to obtain sensitive voter-roll data to run through a federal database known as the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, program.
Adjective
-
The Lakers also gave Utah unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, plus first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030.
-
The Celtics, after failing to land Antetokounmpo, sent Brown to Philly for Paul George, an unprotected 2031 first-round pick, a 2028 pick/swap, and two second-round picks.
Adjective
-
Some of the industry's fastest-growing markets are also the most exposed, the study found.
-
The jobs generations of students were steered toward are among the most exposed.
Adjective
-
People who are pregnant, prone to blood clots or have implanted medical devices should skip vibration plates entirely.
-
Both potatoes and cucumbers are prone to blight, which can ruin them if planted close together, says Bolles.
Cite this Entry
“Vulnerable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vulnerable. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
