defensible

adjective

de·fen·si·ble di-ˈfen(t)-sə-bəl

Synonyms of defensible next

: capable of being defended

defensible theories

a defensible hill

defensibility

di-ˌfen(t)-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē

ˌdē-

noun

defensibly

di-ˈfen(t)-sə-blē

adverb

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 Investigations take time to establish defensible arrests. —

Maritza Dominguez, The Arizona Republic, 9 July 2024 And the only way to do that is to bring Ukraine into NATO with defensible borders. —

Marc A. Thiessen, Washington Post, 8 July 2024 Try bundling auto and home insurance, creating defensible space and other measures to negotiate somewhat lower rates. —

Janet Wilson, USA TODAY, 27 June 2024 Staff at the Geyserville winery, which is in the evacuation zone, remain especially vigilant during fire season, said general manager Becky Rosales, by clearing defensible space, keeping fire pumps on hand and reviewing emergency plans with staff. —

Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 17 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for defensible

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'defensible.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

See more words from the same century