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

Disciplined decision-making is usually far more defensible. —Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

Everlane, a company that promised shoppers affordable and ethically defensible clothing, may be over as customers have known it. —Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 20 May 2026

While many residents remain cautious, Mike said wildfire survivors in the area have become especially focused on defensible space and home hardening. —Da Lin, CBS News, 16 May 2026

Like most popular movements, masculinism has many entry points, and both defensible and alarming forms. —Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 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