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

Select less-flammable plant species to plant within the zone of defensible space. — Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Adjusters often end up navigating multiple tools, inconsistent data sources and duplicate workflows, while still trying to make accurate and defensible decisions under tight timelines. — David Tobias, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Meanwhile, those that cleared vegetation from Zone Zero had a survival rate of 37%, and those with comprehensive home hardening and defensible space had a survival rate of 48%. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Fire agencies conduct home inspections for vegetation and defensible space in many high-risk areas. — Lauren Sommer, NPR, 17 Aug. 2026