sen·si·tive
ˈsen(t)-sə-tiv 
ˈsen(t)s-təv
1
2
a
: receptive to sense impressions
b
: capable of being stimulated or excited by external agents (such as light, gravity, or contact)
sensitive cells
3
: highly responsive or susceptible: such as
a(1)
: easily hurt or damaged
especially
: easily hurt emotionally
(2)
: delicately aware of the attitudes and feelings of others
b
: excessively or abnormally susceptible : hypersensitive
sensitive to egg protein
c
: readily fluctuating in price or demand
sensitive commodities
d
: capable of indicating minute differences : delicate
sensitive scales
e
: readily affected or changed by various agents (such as light or mechanical shock)
a photographic emulsion sensitive to red light
f
: highly radiosensitive
4
a
: concerned with highly classified government information or involving discretionary authority over important policy matters
sensitive documents
b
: calling for tact, care, or caution in treatment : touchy
a sensitive issue like race relations
5
: having or showing concern for a specified matter
—usually used in combination
a price-sensitive customer
environmentally sensitive policies
sensitively
adverb
sensitiveness
noun
1
: a person having occult or psychical abilities
2
: a sensitive person
Synonyms
Examples of sensitive in a Sentence
Adjective
He acts like a tough guy, but he's really very sensitive to criticism.
I found him to be a sensitive and caring person.
Recent Examples on the Web
Lars Daniel, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
With their hearing about four times more sensitive than a human's, bees and other flying insects can wreak havoc on dogs.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Evan Malmgren, Harper's Magazine, 21 Aug. 2024
Our beauty test team represents a range of needs and preferences, including varying lash textures and lengths, different glam preferences, and specific sensitives like those with allergies or who wear contact lenses.
—Olivia Cigliano, WWD, 30 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for sensitive 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Adjective
The group is known for deploying ransomware that encrypts data and uses double extortion tactics, threatening to release sensitive information on its dark web leak site if ransom demands are not met.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
With their hearing about four times more sensitive than a human's, bees and other flying insects can wreak havoc on dogs.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
Given the dearth of formal treatments and accommodations, McCampbell’s ability to help sensitives through her consulting work is somewhat limited.
—Evan Malmgren, Harper's Magazine, 21 Aug. 2024
Our beauty test team represents a range of needs and preferences, including varying lash textures and lengths, different glam preferences, and specific sensitives like those with allergies or who wear contact lenses.
—Olivia Cigliano, WWD, 30 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for sensitive
Dictionary Entries Near sensitive
Cite this Entry
“Sensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensitive. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
sensitive
adjective
sen·si·tive
ˈsen(t)-sət-iv, ˈsen(t)-stiv
1
: sensory sense 2
sensitive nerves
2
a
: receptive to sense impressions
b
: capable of being stimulated or excited by external agents (as light, gravity, or contact)
a photographic emulsion sensitive to red light
sensitive protoplasm
3
: highly responsive or susceptible: as
a
: easily hurt or damaged
sensitive skin
especially
: easily hurt emotionally
b
: excessively or abnormally susceptible : hypersensitive
sensitive to egg protein
c
: capable of indicating minute differences
sensitive scales
d
: readily affected or changed by various agents (as light or mechanical shock)
a sensitive colloid
sensitiveness
noun
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