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.
Some financial advisors have gone beyond even that level, saying up to 40% in cryptocurrency is defensible as an investing approach. Krysta Escobar, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025 These mandates, which sound somewhat feasible and defensible on paper, may have unintended consequences in practice. Kevin Frazier, Twin Cities, 15 Oct. 2025 Again, that’s a product of the reset, a defensible move that has the Grizzlies in possession of multiple high-ceiling assets. John Hollinger, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 The zone zero regulations are part of a broader series of defensible space laws that have existed in some form since the 1960s, according to Bigelow. Hannah Ruhoff, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 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 23 Oct. 2025.

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