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 Hill pinned prone to the pavement and cuffed was shocking to see. —Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025 Best for acne prone: CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum 14/14 CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum $23 $19 Amazon Best for: Ensuring lasting hydration and soothing dry patches. —Denise Primbet, Glamour, 21 Feb. 2025 Francis previously suffered an acute case of pneumonia in 2023 and remains prone to respiratory infections during the winter months. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025 Francis had an acute case of pneumonia in 2023 and is prone to respiratory infections in winter. —Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prone
  1. inclined
  2. prostrate
  3. flat
  4. horizontal
Adjective
  • These findings challenge the stereotype that younger generations are more inclined to prioritize work-life balance.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Unlike larger restaurant chains like Denny's and Waffle House, which have adjusted to the surging costs by adding an egg surcharge to their menu item prices, smaller businesses are less inclined to follow suit, according to Dartmouth College economics professor Bruce Sacerdote.
    — Michael Pappano, ABC News, 8 Mar. 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
  • Alix notes she’s seen a return to laying pillows flat as opposed to propping them upright—whether under or on top of bedding.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Unlike Blockbuster, Netflix allowed users to rent unlimited DVDs for a flat fee.
    — John Hall, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of flat
Adjective
  • Transforming the nation’s economy by nurturing vertical and horizontal diversification across all productive industries is a core objective of the Plan Belize medium-term development strategy, which the government implemented after it was democratically elected in 2020.
    — Panorama Media Ltd., Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Right now though, movie watchers can look forward to 95% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut, while setup flexibility is helped along by keystone correction, 1.6x zoom, and vertical/horizontal lens shift.
    — Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of horizontal

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Cite this Entry

“Prone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prone. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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