VULNERABLE Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

vulnerable

adjective

ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl

Definition of vulnerable

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 For women in the vulnerable position of leaving work to birth and care for a newborn, the possibility of losing their job during that time can feel like an ever-looming threat. — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 That same month, the National Park Service warned that the megafire had left parts of the North Rim more vulnerable to sudden, destructive rushes of water. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026 In such a vulnerable state, the spleen can rupture during birth. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026 Cameras not only captured Coach Macdonald in a tense moment, but also showcased his vulnerable side. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vulnerable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulnerable

Adjective

Those late struggles left the Twins susceptible, and Detroit finally broke through in the 12th.

— Dan Hayes, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
In turn, landscapes marred by fire are more susceptible to flash flooding, due to sparse vegetation and changes in the soil.

— Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of susceptible

Adjective

Y’know, the two living, breathing, helpless children forced to sit idle while their mother and (almost) step-father constantly and brazenly risk abandoning them.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026
Muslims who are peace-loving and helpless also need a hand up.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of helpless

Adjective

Government debt makes up more than 200% of its gross domestic product, leaving its finances highly sensitive to rising borrowing costs.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
In addition to pressure, the team demonstrated that the same basic glass platform could also be made sensitive to temperature.

— Pawel Maniewski, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of sensitive

Adjective

In the current setup, teams select players that other teams leave unprotected and then must carry that player on their big-league roster for a full year.

— Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Splitting the shot up decreases vaccination rates and leaves children unprotected over a longer period, experts say.

— Zac Anderson, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of unprotected

Adjective

Morgan Stanley said Equinix and Digital Realty are less exposed because their facilities average roughly 5 to 10 megawatts, far below the gigawatt-scale AI campuses planned by hyperscalers and neocloud operators.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
The fact that my life is so exposed is incredibly complex for me.

— Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of exposed

Adjective

The main concern from Edouard in the always flood-prone Houston metro area is heavy rain and the flooding that follows, the National Weather Service in Houston said.

— Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
The tortuous regulatory system that is hostile to new nuclear plants makes the commercial process expensive, slow, and prone to legal challenges.

— David Szondy August 31, New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026