indefensible

adjective

in·​de·​fen·​si·​ble ˌin-di-ˈfen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce indefensible (audio)
Synonyms of indefensiblenext
1
a
: incapable of being maintained as right or valid : untenable
an indefensible argument
b
: incapable of being justified or excused : inexcusable
indefensible comments
2
: incapable of being protected against physical attack
indefensibility
ˌin-di-ˌfen(t)-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce indefensible (audio)
noun
indefensibly
ˌin-di-ˈfen(t)-sə-blē How to pronounce indefensible (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of indefensible

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Examples of indefensible in a Sentence

The company adopted an indefensible position on the issue. His behavior is ethically indefensible. The city is in an indefensible 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.
Pulling a pitcher in the middle of a perfect game is indefensible. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026 Wembanyama isolates Brunson in the post and gets one, two, three chances at the rim for an indefensible bucket? — Kyle Wagner, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026 That was Ned Tanen, who did something indefensible and punitive to Lucas. — Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 22 June 2026 But the fastest swimming speed claims are almost certainly indefensible exaggerations. — Literary Hub, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for indefensible

Word History

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of indefensible was in 1529

Rhymes for indefensible

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Browse Nearby Words

indefensibility
indefensible
in deference to
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Cite this Entry

“Indefensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indefensible. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

indefensible

adjective
in·​de·​fen·​si·​ble ˌin-di-ˈfen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce indefensible (audio)
: impossible to defend
an indefensible position

More from Merriam-Webster on indefensible

Nglish: Translation of indefensible for Spanish Speakers

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