exposed 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈspōzd How to pronounce exposed (audio)
Definition of exposednext
1
as in susceptible
being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm without our immune systems we'd be exposed to all sorts of deadly infections

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2
as in uncovered
lacking a usual or natural covering the exposed electrical wires were a safety hazard

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3
as in vulnerable
lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack the soldiers were so exposed in the open field that they were the proverbial sitting ducks

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exposed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of expose
1
as in disclosed
to reveal the true nature of a well-researched article that exposes the UFO story as a hoax

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2
as in revealed
to make known (as information previously kept secret) the documentary claims to expose how winners of beauty pageants are really picked

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3
as in displayed
to make known (something abstract) through outward signs the tight race for the championship exposed one team's mean streak

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4
as in exhibited
to present so as to invite notice or attention I didn't want to expose my ignorance in front of the others, so I kept silent

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective exposed contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of exposed are liable, open, prone, sensitive, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

When would liable be a good substitute for exposed?

The synonyms liable and exposed are sometimes interchangeable, but liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

When is open a more appropriate choice than exposed?

While in some cases nearly identical to exposed, open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When might prone be a better fit than exposed?

Although the words prone and exposed have much in common, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

Where would sensitive be a reasonable alternative to exposed?

The words sensitive and exposed can be used in similar contexts, but sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When is it sensible to use subject instead of exposed?

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

all reports are subject to review

When can susceptible be used instead of exposed?

The words susceptible and exposed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 exposed
Adjective
Load up on a nutritious brunch The sisters Xenia and Sophie von Oswald mix and match Persian, German and Australian influences at rocket + basil, an easygoing, no-reservations eatery near the busy Potsdamer Platz, with exposed brick walls painted mint green inside. —Valeriya Safronova, New York Times, 1 May 2025 However, third-party devices supporting the AirPlay protocol remain exposed. —Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
The company was dealt a major blow by a five-month data breach in 2023 that exposed the personal data of almost seven million customers. —William Gavin, Quartz, 24 Mar. 2025 Last year, 23andMe agreed to pay $30 million in cash to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing the company of failing to protect customers whose personal information was exposed in this breach. —Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exposed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exposed
  1. susceptible
  2. uncovered
  3. vulnerable
  4. revealed
  5. sensitive
  6. bare
  7. unprotected
  8. discovered
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
Definition of susceptible
Adjective
  • But the third realm, the uncovered world of technology, is rising.
    — Amir Husain, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • One pitch later, Savannah Pola dropped down a bunt and, spotting an uncovered second base, the speedy second baseman turned it into a heads-up double.
    — Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025
Definition of uncovered
Adjective
  • If a redraw goes forward, the most vulnerable House incumbents would be Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) in the southwestern 3rd Congressional District and Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) in the southeastern 1st Congressional District.
    — David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
  • In cities, armored units are often funneled into narrow streets and become vulnerable to attacks from above.
    — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of vulnerable
Verb
  • Their findings revealed that persistent visual cues of disorganization deplete our cognitive resources and impair our ability to concentrate.
    — Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Known for documenting her experiences on over 60 cruises, her journey aboard Global Mercy showcased a stark contrast to her usual floating escapes—and revealed how cruise ship design and operations underpin this vital humanitarian effort.
    — David Nikel, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Definition of revealed
Adjective
  • These searches help keep digital communications and sensitive information safe.
    — Jeremiah Bartz, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
  • The lightweight formula is fragrance-free — ideal for sensitive skin — and doubles as a primer thanks to its matte finish.
    — Madison Yauger, People.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • Name: Itea virginica Size: 2-6 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide Zones: 5-9 19 of 20 Winterberry A slow-growing, deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub, winterberry is a show-stopper in winter when female plants produce an abundance of showy berries on their bare branches.
    — Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025
  • At Keep Memory Alive’s The Power of Love Gala in February, the author told PEOPLE that the rest of her children were all buzzing about seeing their sibling bare it all on screen.
    — Esther Kang, People.com, 3 June 2025
Definition of bare
Adjective
  • Until recently, most insurance companies followed the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s definition for fertility, which defined infertility as a condition in which heterosexual couples couldn’t conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse.
    — Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 4 June 2025
  • Thick smoke can block out the sun and wreak havoc on anyone outdoors with unprotected eyes, noses and throats.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
Definition of unprotected
Verb
  • In 2024, more than 100,000 pounds of turkey kielbasa products were recalled after the product was discovered to have fragments of bone inside.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Foreign objects being discovered in food is a relatively rare recall reason, with more common reasons including bacterial or viral contamination or the presence of undeclared allergens.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of discovered

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expose
exposed
exposes
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Cite this Entry

“Exposed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exposed. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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