exposed
7 synonyms and 5 antonyms for exposed, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Left open, unprotected, or vulnerable, often to weather, danger, or view.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
unsheltered
defenceless
Antonyms
How to use exposed
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
feel exposed
exposed to the elements
an exposed position
Frequently asked questions
What does “exposed” mean?
The word “exposed” means left open, unprotected, or vulnerable, often to weather, danger, or view. In plain terms, not covered or protected — out in the open, whether physically or emotionally.
How do you pronounce “exposed”?
“Exposed” is pronounced ihk-SPOHZD (/ɪkˈspoʊzd/ in IPA).
How do you use “exposed” in a sentence?
Here is “exposed” used in a sentence: “The hikers were caught on an exposed ridge when the storm hit.”
What part of speech is “exposed”?
“Exposed” is an adjective.
Is “exposed” a common word?
“Exposed” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between exposed and vulnerable?
Exposed means left open and unprotected, physically or otherwise, so that weather, danger, or view can reach something. Vulnerable means capable of being harmed. The two overlap closely: being exposed often makes you vulnerable. But exposed stresses the lack of cover or shelter, while vulnerable stresses the potential to be hurt as a result.
What is the opposite of exposed?
The opposite is protected, sheltered, or covered, describing something shielded from weather, danger, or view. An exposed hillside is open to the wind; a sheltered one is guarded from it. Words like concealed and hidden are opposites in the sense of being out of sight, while safe contrasts with being open to danger.
What is an example of something exposed?
An exposed cliff-top is open to wind and rain with no shelter. Exposed wiring is left uncovered and unsafe. An exposed position in a game or negotiation leaves you open to attack. In each case, something is unprotected and open to weather, danger, or view rather than shielded from it.
