PRONE Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'prone' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of prone are exposed , liable , open , sensitive , subject , and susceptible . While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something. // prone to delay

Q: When would 'exposed' be a good substitute for 'prone'?

The words exposed and prone 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

Q: When is 'liable' a more appropriate choice than 'prone'?

In some situations, the words liable and prone are roughly equivalent. However, liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation. // liable to get lost

Q: In what contexts can 'open' take the place of 'prone'?

The synonyms open and prone are sometimes interchangeable, but open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence. // a claim open to question

Q: When can 'sensitive' be used instead of 'prone'?

The meanings of sensitive and prone largely overlap; however, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli. // unduly sensitive to criticism

Q: When could 'subject' be used to replace 'prone'?

The words subject and prone can be used in similar contexts, but subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone. // all reports are subject to review

Q: Where would 'susceptible' be a reasonable alternative to 'prone'?

While the synonyms susceptible and prone are close in meaning, susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable. // very susceptible to flattery

prone

adjective

ˈprōn

Definition of prone next

as in inclined

having a tendency to be or act in a certain way he was prone to emotional outbursts under stress

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in prostrate

lying with the face downwards quickly subdue the suspect and get him into a prone position

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective prone contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of prone are exposed, liable, open, sensitive, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

When would exposed be a good substitute for prone?

The words exposed and prone 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 liable a more appropriate choice than prone?

In some situations, the words liable and prone are roughly equivalent. However, liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

In what contexts can open take the place of prone?

The synonyms open and prone are sometimes interchangeable, but open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When can sensitive be used instead of prone?

The meanings of sensitive and prone largely overlap; however, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When could subject be used to replace prone?

The words subject and prone can be used in similar contexts, but subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

Where would susceptible be a reasonable alternative to prone?

While the synonyms susceptible and prone are close in meaning, 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 prone There was a nice moment early on in the second set when Badosa fell to the floor while chasing a forehand and then gave a thumbs up while lying prone behind the baseline. —

Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025 Braids are considered protective hairstyles for tighter curl patterns that lack moisture and are prone to breakage. —

Leslie D. Rose, Parents, 14 Jan. 2025 In fairness, this was not the collapse Villa had been prone to. —

Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024 Donkeys are also more prone to health issues, such as dental problems and skin conditions, that may require specialized care. —

George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prone

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prone

Adjective

The strategist suggested that Trump’s immediate lame-duck status, having already served one term, may also make some of his critics more inclined to accept him this time around.

— Brett Samuels, The Hill, 20 Jan. 2025
At this point, the Canucks seem more inclined to move Miller than Pettersson.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025