susceptible

adjective

sə-ˈsep-tə-bəl How to pronounce susceptible (audio)
Definition of susceptiblenext
1
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in easy
readily taken advantage of having recently lost his job, he was more susceptible to the illusory promises of get-rich-quick schemes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 These interactions take place in coastal communities, which are susceptible to degradation over time because of rising sea levels and other environmental conditions. —Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 28 May 2025 Reclaim Your Time During The Day Revenge bedtime procrastination, when people sacrifice sleep for personal time, is something moms may be susceptible to. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 27 May 2025 Those who may have been exposed and are susceptible to measles could develop symptoms between now and June 14, the health district said. —Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 23 May 2025 Recent research shows rural SMEs, those based outside city limits, may be more susceptible to financial risk posed by climate hazards. —Claire Poole, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for susceptible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for susceptible
  1. vulnerable
  2. helpless
  3. easy
  4. sensitive
  5. unprotected
  6. exposed
  7. naive
  8. prone
Adjective
  • This leaves them vulnerable to starvation and dehydration.
    — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 30 May 2025
  • Without strong glutes to stabilize your pelvis and support your spine, other areas of your body are stressed and become more vulnerable to injury.
    — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
Definition of vulnerable
Adjective
  • Yet the Rocket have been outscored 15-4 through three games, looking helpless against a Checkers team that has gotten red hot at exactly the right time.
    — Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2025
  • From the dugout at San Siro, Lautaro Martinez and Federico Dimarco were helpless.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Definition of helpless
Adjective
  • Whether spending time at the beach, in the backyard, or camping, this nifty outdoor find features a fiberglass rod that’s easy to stick in the ground.
    — Ali Faccenda, People.com, 1 June 2025
  • Jammy red Zinfandel like mid palate with flavors that are supple and light, with bright acidity and easy drinking.
    — Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Definition of easy
Adjective
  • These searches help keep digital communications and sensitive information safe.
    — Jeremiah Bartz, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
  • Moreover, data tokenization or de-identification allows sensitive information (like PII or health records) to be replaced with non-sensitive surrogates, reducing risk without compromising analytics.
    — Shinoy Vengaramkode Bhaskaran, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of sensitive
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
Adjective
  • The president’s embrace of Moscow and corresponding pivot away from Europe is pushing the continent to become more independent and leaving its people far more exposed.
    — DMYTRO KULEBA, Foreign Affairs, 30 May 2025
  • The ensemble featured a strapless, sculpted black corset top with an exposed zipper.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 21 May 2025
Definition of exposed
Adjective
  • The first big work people make, that first foray into the public eye, has something so naive about it.
    — Simon Thompson, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • But his answers Thursday painted the picture of an organization willing to trust internal answers over trading Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon or Michael Porter Jr. That is either delusional, naive, or both.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 22 May 2025
Definition of naive
Adjective
  • When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2025
  • This natural stone is porous enough to stain, soft enough to scratch, and prone to damage from chemicals.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 May 2025
Definition of prone

Browse Nearby Words

susceptibility
susceptible
susceptibleness
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Cite this Entry

“Susceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/susceptible. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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