Synonyms of defensible

defensible

adjective

di-ˈfen(t)-sə-bəl 

1

as in defendable

capable of being defended against physical attack

the pioneers retreated to a defensible hillside to take a stand against the raiders

Synonyms & Similar Words

• defendable
• defended
• protected
• secured
• secure
• tenable
• guarded
• shielded
• unassailable
• inviolable
• impregnable
• safeguarded
• invulnerable
• bulletproof
• invincible
• unbeatable
• untouchable
• indomitable
• unconquerable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indefensible
• untenable
• vulnerable
• liable
• open
• susceptible
• unprotected
• undefended
• unsecured
• unguarded
• insecure
• weak
• exposed
• defenseless
• powerless
• helpless
• vincible
• assailable
• imperiled

2

as in justifiable

capable of being defended with good reasoning against verbal attack

there's simply no defensible reason for dropping out of school

Synonyms & Similar Words

• justifiable
• defendable
• legitimate
• supportable
• acceptable
• rational
• viable
• maintainable
• sustainable
• tenable
• reasonable
• sensible
• allowable
• admissible
• unobjectionable
• verifiable
• well-grounded
• provable
• explainable
• explicable
• exceptionable
• warrantable
• confirmable
• passable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• untenable
• unjustifiable
• irrational
• absurd
• indefensible
• ridiculous
• unreasonable
• illogical
• unsound
• extreme
• unsustainable
• objectionable
• outrageous
• unacceptable
• insupportable
• unfounded
• inexplicable
• groundless
• unexplainable

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of defensible

The public deserves to know which of his points were defensible and which were deceiving. — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Included as part of the program are home audits and education for homeowners about increasing their defensible space. — Jeff Todd, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

The state of California recently issued new regulations for defensible space, commonly referred to as Zone Zero. — Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026

But is there a defensible logic to this turn-on-your-friends, win-over your-foes strategy? — Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026