defensible

adjective

de·​fen·​si·​ble di-ˈfen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce defensible (audio)
: capable of being defended
defensible theories
a defensible hill
defensibility noun
defensibly 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
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.
Traceability platforms further help to structure, verify and safeguard data, creating a defensible, auditable trail. Florent Bouguin, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025 The correct answer is that more housing is better, which is vastly more beneficial than an empty lot or truck depot and there is no defensible excuse to block that housing. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025 The United States is a sovereign nation with defensible borders—a homeland that protects our national interests, defends our distinctly American people, and promotes lasting peace and prosperity. Riley Moore, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025 Each statement should challenge a common belief in [your industry/niche] while being defensible with evidence. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for defensible

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

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Cite this Entry

“Defensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defensible. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.

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