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as in responsible
being the one who must meet an obligation or suffer the consequences for failing to do so the owner of a pet is liable for any damage that that pet might do

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective liable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of liable are exposed, open, prone, sensitive, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

When is it sensible to use exposed instead of liable?

The words exposed and liable 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

In what contexts can open take the place of liable?

While the synonyms open and liable are close in meaning, open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When might prone be a better fit than liable?

The meanings of prone and liable largely overlap; however, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

When would sensitive be a good substitute for liable?

While in some cases nearly identical to liable, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When is subject a more appropriate choice than liable?

In some situations, the words subject and liable are roughly equivalent. However, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

When could susceptible be used to replace liable?

The synonyms susceptible and liable are sometimes interchangeable, but susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable.

very susceptible to flattery

Examples 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 liable The actor typically favors Christian Louboutin Dolly 85 pumps in black and nude—though she’s recently been liable to try out a slouchy boot. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2024 In theory, the man could argue Kelce is liable for the tort of conversion, which means intentionally taking another person’s personal property without permission. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Nov. 2024 The state does have a law in place preventing women who receive abortions from being held criminally liable. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024 Brazil's tax reform to affect non-resident digital service sellers As part of Brazil's tax reform, starting in 2026, non-resident providers of digital services will be liable for collecting new indirect taxes. Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for liable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liable
Adjective
  • Notably, losing an hour of daylight can take a toll on people who are susceptible to seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that peaks during the darker winter months.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024
  • Cult experts say anyone is vulnerable because everyone is susceptible to influence.
    David Oliver, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • According to the latest McKinsey research, last year’s Travel Tuesday alone was responsible for a 54% growth in the number of cruise bookings made.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
  • The new board has been elected to a two-year term that begins on Jan. 1 and will be responsible for setting organizational strategy and overseeing finances for the USTA, the national governing body for tennis in the United States.
    Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road.
    Chris Gallagher, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Some companies have reportedly dealt with safety issues, like bad actors who abuse the model to give harmful advice or prey on vulnerable people.
    Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Microsoft also provides a way to exclude apps and websites from Recall, and the feature should also automatically detect sensitive information like credit card details, passwords, and personal ID numbers and not save those snapshots.
    Tom Warren, The Verge, 22 Nov. 2024
  • In today’s digital age, data encryption is vital for protecting sensitive information.
    Ofer Lidsky, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • No other position in sports is both so exposed and so stocked with potential replacements.
    Neal Rubin, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Rebuilding any of these defense and weapons facilities could take months, putting a strain on any potential response by Iran, which is now more exposed and less able to replenish missiles.
    Freddie Clayton, NBC News, 29 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • The stock is prone to big moves after reporting earnings and can easily gap up if the numbers are strong.
    Adam Sarhan, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Find out more tips, plus recommendations for tights that are less prone to ripping.
    Elizabeth Both, NBC News, 11 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near liable

Cite this Entry

“Liable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liable. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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