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Definition of sensitivenext
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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
Even at the presidential level – where personal legacy should, in theory, be most sensitive – scandals barely leave a dent. Brandon Rottinghaus, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026 The same guidance applies to federal tax returns and other time-sensitive paperwork, USPS says. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
Given the dearth of formal treatments and accommodations, McCampbell’s ability to help sensitives through her consulting work is somewhat limited. Evan Malmgren, Harper's Magazine, 21 Aug. 2024 Our beauty test team represents a range of needs and preferences, including varying lash textures and lengths, different glam preferences, and specific sensitives like those with allergies or who wear contact lenses. Olivia Cigliano, WWD, 30 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for sensitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensitive
Adjective
  • Gates was keen to highlight that society needs to do more to ready itself for an AI era, and that work so far hasn’t been adequate.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Our daughter learnt how to draw comic strips with an Athenian cartoon artist and was keen to try the photography course and stargazing.
    Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • If an entrance hole is too large, smaller nesting birds will be vulnerable to predators and invasive species, including house sparrows, larger birds of prey, squirrels, snakes and even cats, which Hamlin says are birds’ top predators.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • People who have weakened immune systems or existing lung and heart disease are most vulnerable to cardiac complications from the flu.
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The synthetic insulation can be beaten up more than fragile down, and the 15-denier fabric is water-resistant and durable for extended wear.
    Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The latter provides the opportunity for a harrowing sequence in which the family is forced to cross a giant ravine on a treacherously fragile rope ladder.
    Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Fidget blankets are small quilts covered with different textures and things like ribbons, buttons and pockets that help people keep their hands busy while also providing sensory stimulation.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Exclusively developed by perfumer Antica Farmacista, these beautiful scents are like a sensory passport stamp.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Jens generally chooses his words carefully, and is, what’s more, particularly reticent just after finishing a long and difficult winter delivery trip; what’s a person supposed to do with words in a blizzard anyway, up on a stormy heath and all directions lost?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • In his first start in the wake of Beau Pribula’s significant injury, Zollers walked into a difficult situation, and his stat line reflected it.
    Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The town, about 25 miles southwest of Daytona Beach, Florida, is home to mediums, psychics and healers, many practicing out of their homes.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Think past life regression meditations, tarot and oracle card readings, and even sessions with psychics.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As Beck spoke on the crowded field afterward, Cristobal swept past and stopped for quick bear hug.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Most people drive up a Forest Service Road for quicker access, putting them at the beginning of a two-mile out-and-back trail with roughly 2,500 feet of elevation gain.
    Outside, Outside, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The human brain is highly susceptible to often unproductive mind-wandering, and modern technology has only made the problem worse.
    Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Common Pests and Diseases Like all plants, hoyas can be susceptible to pests and diseases.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensitive. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on sensitive

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