liable

adjective

ˈlī-ə-bəl How to pronounce liable (audio)
Definition of liablenext
1
as in susceptible
being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm because of his frail constitution, he's liable to diseases

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

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 liable The new audio evidence comes after video and voltage data have already linked transmission towers operated by Edison to the fire's initial start on Jan. 7 and multiple lawsuits have been filed that claim the company is liable for fire damages. —Graham Smith, NPR, 17 Feb. 2025 Dog owners in Ohio are liable for their pets' actions. —Laura A. Bischoff, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025 In 2022, Spacey was found not liable for battery against Rapp. —Lisa Respers France, CNN, 18 Feb. 2025 Despite having been found not guilty by a jury, he was found civilly liable in a wrongful death lawsuit and ordered to pay damages. —Latoya Gayle, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for liable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liable
  1. susceptible
  2. responsible
  3. vulnerable
  4. sensitive
  5. exposed
  6. prone
Adjective
  • Pros: Flower buds are not susceptible to winter damage.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025
  • That killed even more prairie dogs and ferrets, both of which are highly susceptible to the disease.
    — Benji Jones, Vox, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of susceptible
Adjective
  • This is a crucial advancement, since HPV is responsible for most cervical cancer cases—and her discovery represents a significant benefit for public health, as well as empowering women by offering a more accessible and less invasive treatment option.
    — The Glamour editors, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The stadium authority is responsible for several key deals the A’s have in Las Vegas, including their stadium lease, development and non-relocation agreements.
    — Evan Drellich, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of responsible
Adjective
  • Actress Jennifer Coolidge won an Emmy for her comic, kooky yet vulnerable turn in 2022, one of five Emmies won by the White Lotus.
    — Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Newsom was met with a mix of praise and criticism, including from fellow state Democrats who accused the governor of abandoning a vulnerable minority group.
    — Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of vulnerable
Adjective
  • The exfiltrated data included the following browser files, which can store login cookies, passwords, browsing histories, and other sensitive data.
    — Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2025
  • To begin the transition to PQC, assess what of your critical infrastructure deals with high volumes of sensitive data.
    — Anurag Lal, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • Our cities now sit exposed, taking direct hits from stronger hurricanes with increasing frequency.
    — Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Researchers believe the exposed bucket contained sensitive information about buyers, including their full names, home addresses, phone numbers and order details such as mailing dates and parcel information.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 20 Feb. 2025
Definition of exposed
Adjective
  • After all, if the onboarding process is too cumbersome, potential customers are prone to walk away, diminishing opportunities for everyone.
    — James Bruni, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Hill pinned prone to the pavement and cuffed was shocking to see.
    — Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of prone

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“Liable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liable. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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