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
Social media can be a valuable lifeline to some of the most vulnerable young people, like those in abusive situations or those who often feel isolated offline, such as LGBTQ+ teens.
—
Jennifer Huddleston, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
Without better protection, homeowners are vulnerable to waves of damaging storms.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
For the most vulnerable customers, prices are down 23%.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
The project protects works vulnerable to time and environmental stress of historically or culturally significant works of art, including works that have been designated as national treasures.
—Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vulnerable
Jennifer Huddleston, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
Without better protection, homeowners are vulnerable to waves of damaging storms.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
For the most vulnerable customers, prices are down 23%.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
The project protects works vulnerable to time and environmental stress of historically or culturally significant works of art, including works that have been designated as national treasures.
—Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vulnerable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulnerable
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
-
Punk appeared helpless as Reigns picked him up.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The show’s name referred to their self-identification as helpless babies overwhelmed by the pressures of modernity, comforted only by coating themselves in fancy serums and moisturizers to recreate the peaceful, placental insulation of the womb.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 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
-
In Hendrix's case, his intestines, spleen, liver and stomach were outside of his body, unprotected.—
Charmaine Patterson,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Roosevelt found the constant security presence tiresome, however, and would sometimes slip away for unprotected hikes or horseback rides in Washington’s Rock Creek Park, according to the White House Historical Association.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The outer layers of the star will eventually cool and disperse, leaving a nebula of ex-stellar material surrounding the sun's core, which will then become an exposed cooling stellar remnant called a white dwarf.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The objective is to reduce exposed equity within the entity in a lawful and structured manner.—
Ascend Agency,
New York Daily News,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
About 5 million of the state’s 6 million residents live along the Front Range, which also happens to be the state’s most disaster-prone zone.—
Aldo Svaldi,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Mature cherry trees not only yield delicious fruit but also provide shade for sun-sensitive plants and other areas prone to scorching.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vulnerable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vulnerable. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
