defensible

adjective

de·​fen·​si·​ble di-ˈfen(t)-sə-bəl 

: 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

Synonyms of defensible

• defendable
• defended
• protected
• secured

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

Dan Diker, president of the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, pointed to the concept of defensible borders that emerged after the 1967 Six-Day War. —Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026

This hands-on perspective helps ensure outputs are clinically relevant, immediately actionable, and scientifically defensible. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026

This model is not only more effective for job seekers and employers, but also legally defensible with transparency and control over AI in the hands of the job seeker. —CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026

From clearing defensible space to maintaining safer landscapes, residents are playing an active role. —David Gamboa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026

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

Rhymes for defensible

• sensible
• compensable
• condensable
• dispensable
• extensible
• insensible
• ostensible
• comprehensible
• indefensible
• indispensable
• reprehensible
• supersensible