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

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

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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 Ever Pure Thickening Sulfate-Free Shampoo is for everyone, but especially for those who would describe their hair as thin, brittle, weak, prone to breakage, and slow to grow. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026 However, premiums can be much larger in higher-risk areas, like those on the coast or those prone to wildfires. — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 And everything is drier, more irritated — and even more acne-prone. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 1 Sep. 2026 On the other hand, some people from older generations—while competent in these systems—may be more error prone while operating digital systems. — Timor Brik, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prone

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prone

Adjective

The post also includes vintage photos of each artist as musically inclined children.

— Katie Bain, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026
Elizabeth, less inclined to anatomize herself in writing, remains the more mysterious force.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of inclined

Adjective

For fire safety, avoid woody spreading plants like prostrate acacia (Acacia redolens) and plumbago (Plumbago auriculata).

— The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
Plants grow about two feet tall but have a prostrate habit that looks attractive at the edge of a wall or path.

— Jamie McIntosh, The Spruce, 3 Mar. 2026

Definition of prostrate

Adjective

The new flat surfaces seem a little low, but that may be by design to discourage folks from camping out there.

— Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Under clingy fabrics, prioritize flat seams, no-dig leg openings, and thinner materials that are less likely to show.

— Malia Griggs, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of flat

Adjective

As the pump draws fluid, the bladder expands to occupy the space, pushing out air pockets and ensuring a consistent jet whether the brush is upright, horizontal, or upside down.

— Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
Conversely, Zumthor’s building—however outsize, expensive, and anomalous—hides in plain sight as a piece of urban engineering, stitching together and swallowing the horizontal city whole.

— Katy Barkan, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of horizontal

Cite this Entry

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“Prone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prone. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of prone

adjective

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Example Sentences

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Challenging Words You Should Know

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