Entry Word: tenable

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 capable of being defended against physical attack <the soldiers' encampment on the open plain was not tenable, so they retreated to higher ground>

Synonyms defensible

Related Words defended, guarded, protected, safeguarded, secure, secured, shielded; impregnable, indomitable, invincible, inviolable, invulnerable, unassailable, unbeatable, unconquerable, untouchable

Near Antonyms assailable, exposed, insecure, liable, open, susceptible, undefended, unguarded, unprotected, unsecured, unshielded; defenseless, helpless, powerless, vulnerable, weak

Antonyms indefensible, untenable

2 capable of being defended with good reasoning against verbal attack <the tenable theory that a giant meteor strike set off a chain of events resulting in the demise of the dinosaurs>

Synonyms defendable, defensible, justifiable, maintainable, supportable, sustainable

Related Words rational, reasonable, sensible; acceptable, admissible, allowable, exceptionable, legitimate, passable, unobjectionable, viable, warrantable; confirmable, provable, verifiable; explainable, explicable

Near Antonyms absurd, irrational, ridiculous; extreme, outrageous, unreasonable; groundless, objectionable, unacceptable, unfounded; inexplicable, unexplainable

Antonyms indefensible, insupportable, unjustifiable, untenable