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 decision was based on two key factors: the Calhoun County decision not finding Webb liable for any charges, and extensive pre-draft scrutiny from the Broncos’ brass about Webb’s character. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 May 2025 Entities that provide weapons, money, equipment or other support to those groups can face federal prosecution if found liable. —Melissa Quinn may 9, CBS News, 9 May 2025 Monday’s court decision holds the couple liable for about $76,000 in kennel costs since 2021, and warns of a 7.5% annual interest charge on whatever goes unpaid. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 8 May 2025 Failure to take them down would make the publisher liable in civil court. —Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 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
  • What's more, the researchers found that the mice on the WD plan were also more susceptible to Salmonella infections.
    — Michael Franco May 11, New Atlas, 11 May 2025
  • This depends on the material, but faux leather is usually less susceptible to damage from steam.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
Definition of susceptible
Adjective
  • Incentives are partly responsible for the move, although many states such as Georgia and New York offer generous film funding packages that rival those of other countries.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • And the proof of that is, Pete Hegseth is still there, who’s the guy who was really ultimately responsible for all the difficult information that got communicated in that Signal chat.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 May 2025
Definition of responsible
Adjective
  • They are expected to receive $86 million more in the coming years — potentially leaving more than half of the state's uncapped wells more vulnerable to incidents like the current spill in Garden Island Bay.
    — Dan Ruetenik, CBS News, 5 May 2025
  • Relying too much on one leaves you vulnerable and at their mercy.
    — Mark Minevich, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Definition of vulnerable
Adjective
  • The Trump administration – with Musk and his aides as the tip of the spear – have roiled the federal government with mass layoffs and demands for access to sensitive information at agencies including the Social Security Administration and the National Labor Relations Board.
    — Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • With uneasiness surrounding reports of electronic searches during border crossings, some travelers have opted to use burner phones—rather than bring their personal phones with them—to protect sensitive information.
    — Iona Brannon, AFAR Media, 2 May 2025
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • Beneath her blazer, the Princess of Wales styled a light blue, button-up collared shirt with exposed cuffs.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Load up on a nutritious brunch The sisters Xenia and Sophie von Oswald mix and match Persian, German and Australian influences at rocket + basil, an easygoing, no-reservations eatery near the busy Potsdamer Platz, with exposed brick walls painted mint green inside.
    — Valeriya Safronova, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Definition of exposed
Adjective
  • And, with darker skin tones more prone to dry skin, doubling down on your water intake with skincare is key to a longer skinspan.
    — Essence, Essence, 16 May 2025
  • Both men were prone to flashes of brilliance, ultimately lost in a haze of injury and apathy.
    — Carl Anka, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Definition of prone

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liability
liable
liaison
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Cite this Entry

“Liable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liable. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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