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Definition of exposednext
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exposed

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verb

past tense of expose
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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

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
During that intrusion, the attacker discovered an exposed API that could be used to access customer information linked to 700Credit's dealership clients. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Dec. 2025 Prep Your Home’s Exterior Winterizing is an important step to protect exposed infrastructure from damage caused by cold temperatures or heavy snowfall. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2025
Verb
Smaller ones, such as Equatorial Guinea and South Sudan, are especially exposed, with limited buffers against sustained price declines. Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 29 Apr. 2026 The ones most exposed often have not. Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exposed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exposed
Adjective
  • The Sabres could be susceptible to speed with the way their defensemen push it in the offensive zone.
    Stephen Conroy, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Leaves weakened by pests or disease would be susceptible to frost damage, but burgundy foliage is not affected by such stressors.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • An uncovered pinch by Ian Moore created a jail break and, to compound matters, Moore was an onlooker as Suter hammered the puck.
    Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Williams sued American Demolition and uncovered years of safety issues.
    Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • All these species are far more vulnerable to a hook because of FFS.
    Mike McFeely, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The tracks are more vulnerable, biting, and self-aware than ever, and in some cases, feature lyrics pulled right out of Hjelt’s diary.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The series, which was the result of a nearly two-year investigation, revealed that at least 61 men, women and children had died in 42 fires that had occurred after Chicago officials had been warned of major fire safety issues in their residential buildings.
    Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The cast revealed during CCXP Mexico City that the series will also feature original music from Danny Elfman.
    Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • According to Wolcott Animal Control, the dog displayed no obvious signs of trauma such as being hit by car, broken bones, gun shot wounds or other external injuries.
    Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Today, Tiny is typically displayed on ground level elsewhere in the park during Fright Fest, presumably under the watchful eyes of security cameras.
    Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • All art exhibited at the event will be available for sale.
    Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The recovered artifacts will be exhibited to the public at the museum before undergoing restoration, Cornel Constantin Ilie, the interim director of the National History Museum of Romania, told the outlet.
    Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The ability to acquire land in fee simple is essential and, in many cases, the most effective and expedient way to protect sensitive landscapes, especially in rapidly developing areas.
    Susan Carr, Sun Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Eating large amounts or consuming them on an empty stomach may increase the likelihood of discomfort in sensitive individuals.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Qualifying for the Champions League again via a top-five finish was regarded as the bare minimum.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • During a Southern summer, there’s nothing worse than burning your bare feet on a hot surface, so this outdoor rug is worth grabbing to keep your patio cool.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exposed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exposed. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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