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

Leaders who want flexibility in a volatile environment will need stronger community relationships, clearer governance, and defensible disclosures. —Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026

With Absolute Security, Cyber Resilience becomes measurable, operational, and economically defensible. —CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026

Every position taken must be legally defensible. —Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026

Their influence grew not because investors were required to follow them, but because alignment was efficient, defensible, and auditable. —Jane Sadowsky, Fortune, 17 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