defensible

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

Synonyms of defensible

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Examples of defensible in a Sentence

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.
The claims paying organizations that are best prepared to navigate this evolving environment will be those that combine uniform eligibility review, defensible payment rationales, dispute tracking and outcome analysis into a single cohesive process. — Christine Cooper, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Convenience is the clearest and most defensible benefit, since pouches require no brewing or drink to carry and can be used almost anywhere. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026 For years, Napa County homeowner Phil Burton put off creating defensible space around his Pope Valley property. — Kenny Choi, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 At the foundation of workforce changes related to AI is the idea integrating and deploying this technology has to be purposeful in order to be defensible to a company, explained Shelagh Glaser, chief financial officer of Synopsys. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defensible

Word History

Etymology

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

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 27 Oct. 2026.

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