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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
More than 20,000 staff are expected to be cut in an agency of roughly 100,000. DOGE also has sparked data privacy and security concerns by seeking access to internal IRS computer systems with vast amounts of sensitive data. Zac Anderson, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025 In fact, Chenoweth wore Laura Geller for today’s performance, adding that the products never irritate her sensitive skin. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 9 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
  • Saving currently endangered species A number of experts say that bringing back extinct animals will not solve any conservation problems and that efforts would be better spent trying to find ways to save current critically endangered or vulnerable species.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • There are several factors behind what makes a region particularly sneezy and vulnerable to certain allergens.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 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
  • Its body is covered with spiky hair-like structures called setae used for sensory detection, according to the study.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Disruptions to this pathway, caused by genetics or environmental factors, can lead to chronic pain or the sensory hypersensitivity that often accompanies autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Third, operational command of Kamikaze planes is difficult because results cannot be evaluated with any accuracy.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Instead, the major drama comes in the form of Ivy’s corruption by her acting coach, as Ivy gradually goes method and becomes as difficult to work with as Marilyn was (one of this musical’s many meta moments).
    Christian Lewis, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Determined to rid their house of evil, Malcolm turns to unconventional ghost hunters, priests and psychics, leading to a series of increasingly absurd attempts to exorcise the demon.
    Travis Bean, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Polite start, quick stall Even after Trump was elected on the promise of high tariffs, relations with Beijing got off to a polite start.
    Beijing and Washington Bureaus, USA Today, 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 22 Apr. 2025.

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