prone

adjective

ˈprōn How to pronounce prone (audio)
Definition of pronenext
1
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
2
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 The shorter boat rides are also a win for younger divers or those prone to seasickness, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable. —Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 Lichens that are not dehydrated are more prone to damage from ionizing radiation. —Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 19 Apr. 2025 In general, Zimmerman says, animals that evolved in areas prone to disturbance are adapted to handle those variables. —Marina Wang, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025 Are people who are prone to ideology taking in less information? —Matt Richtel, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prone
  1. inclined
  2. prostrate
  3. flat
  4. horizontal
Adjective
  • Bajwa was more inclined to look for a peaceful resolution with India over Kashmir and other issues.
    — Ayesha Jalal, The Conversation, 8 May 2025
  • CPOs are often focused on the market, customers and revenue, while the CTO is inclined to focus on the purity of architecture and the tech stack.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Definition of inclined
Adjective
  • To his right, where the prostrate body of a dying woman was jostled in the bloody fray.
    — Dan Barry, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025
  • On the sheer upper slopes of one of the world's most unforgiving peaks, mountaineers, determined to reach the world's second-highest summit in a record-breaking string of ascents, appear to step over the prostrate body of Muhammad Hassan - a Pakistani porter who later died.
    — Eve Sampson, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Aug. 2023
Definition of prostrate
Adjective
  • Year-to-date, E-Transit sales are flat at 3,948 sold.
    — Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • By the time the teams play, Mikel Arteta’s side will either be in a buoyant mood, having edged past Paris Saint-Germain to reach the Champions League final in Munich, or flat, their season of huge promise having failed to deliver silverware.
    — Tom Burrows, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Definition of flat
Adjective
  • Their roots grow from rhizomes, which are thick, horizontal underground stems.
    — Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • This gas pressure washer is perfect for cleaning horizontal surfaces, such as decks, patios, sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, etc.
    — Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of horizontal

Browse Nearby Words

promulgations
prone
proneness
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Cite this Entry

“Prone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prone. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

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