defensible

1 of 2

adjective

de·​fen·​si·​ble di-ˈfen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce defensible (audio)
Synonyms of defensiblenext
: capable of being defended
defensible theories
a defensible hill
defensibility
di-ˌfen(t)-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce defensible (audio)
ˌdē-
noun
defensibly
di-ˈfen(t)-sə-blē How to pronounce defensible (audio)
adverb

defensibility

2 of 2

noun

de·​fen·​si·​bil·​i·​ty də̇ˌfen(t)səˈbilətē How to pronounce defensibility (audio)
(ˌ)dēˌ-, 
-ətē, 
-i
plural -es
: the quality or state of being defensible

Synonyms of defensible

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Adjective

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Examples of defensible in a Sentence

Adjective Both candidates hold defensible positions on the issue. Under those circumstances, her actions were completely defensible. Slavery is not morally defensible. The city has a defensible location.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
For shoppers focused on outcomes rather than ritual, red light tends to be the most defensible pick. — Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 This capital shift reflects a belief that physical intelligence offers the next defensible frontier as language models commoditize. — Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 According to Warner, business leaders need to look five to ten years out and work out which parts of their operations will still be defensible as AI capabilities keep advancing. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for defensible

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English defensable, defensible "ready to fight, easily defended," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin dēfensābilis "able to be defended," from Latin dēfensāre "to act in defense" (frequentative of dēfendere "to defend") + -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy of (being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of defensible was in the 14th century

Rhymes for defensible

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Browse Nearby Words

defensibility
defensible
defensive
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Cite this Entry

“Defensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defensible. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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