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
Markle did not specify which of her pregnancies was followed by postpartum preeclampsia, but the conversation—a glimpse behind the curtain—is an honest and vulnerable one.
—
Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
Children are more vulnerable than adults to the impacts of heat illness and more at risk of injuries related to outdoor work.
—Georgia Christakis, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2025
Local officials are particularly worried about spread of the measles virus into new areas and vulnerable populations, such as urban centers.
—Neha Mukherjee, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
Any monetary system, including our current fiat arrangement, is vulnerable to manipulation.
—Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vulnerable
Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
Children are more vulnerable than adults to the impacts of heat illness and more at risk of injuries related to outdoor work.
—Georgia Christakis, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2025
Local officials are particularly worried about spread of the measles virus into new areas and vulnerable populations, such as urban centers.
—Neha Mukherjee, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
Any monetary system, including our current fiat arrangement, is vulnerable to manipulation.
—Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vulnerable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulnerable
Adjective
-
In recent years, the number of satellite launches has increased, resulting in thousands of satellites in low-Earth orbit that are susceptible to cyberattacks.—
Chuck Brooks,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Tomato, pepper, eggplant and tomatillo are all susceptible to the same suite of soil pathogens.—
Nan Sterman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Many parents are left feeling helpless—a common experience among pop-parenting adherents.—
Gail Cornwall,
The Atlantic,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider was helpless to stop his former teammate, falling to the ice as Perron beat Detroit goalie Alex Lyon gloveside.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
In late March, four Taiwanese soldiers, three of whom were part of a unit that provides security for Taiwan’s Presidential Office, were jailed for up to seven years after being convicted of selling pictures of sensitive information to China.—
Eryk Michael Smith,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Concerns have been raised about DOGE operatives, many with ties to Musk's companies, gaining access to sensitive government data without adequate oversight or experience.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The Nets still got plenty in return for Durant: Cam Johnson, nine unprotected first-round picks, one protected first round pick, two first-round swaps and three second-round picks.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
3 Apr. 2025
-
If that happens and the Heat land in the lottery and keep their pick, Oklahoma City then gets the rights to Miami’s unprotected first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.—
Nick Crain,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
And, while the ball was mid-air, Zwolle’s attackers were to sprint to the penalty area to meet it on the way down and, ideally, stick it past an exposed goalkeeper.—
Daniel Taylor,
New York Times,
2 Apr. 2025
-
The ceiling appears damaged, with exposed beams, and the windows are now boarded up with plywood.—
Karina Tsui,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Are people who are prone to ideology taking in less information?—
Matt Richtel,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Werewolf cats are also prone to some health conditions, including lymphocytic mural folliculitis.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vulnerable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vulnerable. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share