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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
Our team reflects different lash textures and lengths, glam preferences, and eye sensitives such as allergies and contact lens-wearers. Olivia Cigliano, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019 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
Noun
Right to limit the use and disclosure of sensitive personal information. Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 3 July 2025 This heavy reliance on imports makes the industry highly sensitive to tariffs. Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensitive
Adjective
  • Shi is particularly keen to dive deeply into conversation with Benioff on precisely these points.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Geopolitical tensions have made growth in China—its third largest market and 13% of total revenue—difficult and rival chipmakers are keen to erode its lead.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Cuts to administrative and support roles impact services for seniors, non-English speakers, and other vulnerable groups, reducing their ability to access care and navigate the health system.
    Steve Brozak, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
  • An outdated router can slow down your connection, leave your network vulnerable or limit your ability to stream and game reliably.
    Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike other thin, fragile flats that offer little wear before falling apart, these are reinforced with Vionic’s trademark cushioning, a removable insert, and premium upper materials.
    Kayla Blanton, People.com, 9 July 2025
  • They’ve been counted on to fix what breaks, carry what slips, hold what’s fragile.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Others point to inflammation, the way the brain processes sensory input, and changes in serotonin levels – which play a key role in activating migraine.
    Danielle Wilhour, The Conversation, 10 July 2025
  • These sensory inputs connect to our brain—nature's powerful yet energy-efficient processing unit—which performs local computation without needing to consult external intelligence.
    Javed Khan, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • James is playing the final year of his contract at $52.6 million, which is a very difficult number for teams to pay.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
  • The fire is in difficult country with access issues and firefighters are evaluating options for the right flank and head of the fire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Whoopi Goldberg is the fake psychic who has a hint of actual psychic power that she's forgotten about.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 14 May 2025
  • While MacKinnon says she's always had a special connection with animals, her first visit with a pet psychic in 2001 changed her perspective.
    Athena Sobhan, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The swarm — hundreds of small earthquakes hitting the same area in quick succession — started around 1:30 a.m.
    Sarah Lynch Baldwin July 9, CBS News, 9 July 2025
  • But even countries far from Beijing are making quick shifts.
    Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • This results in long, deep wounds in the surrounding flesh that are also susceptible to secondary bacterial infections, causing severe pain, and potentially death if left untreated.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 10 July 2025
  • Being able to track this is super helpful because male cats are more susceptible to UTIs, which can be potentially life-threatening.
    Molly Higgins, Wired News, 9 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensitive. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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