1
as in defendable
capable of being defended against physical attack
the soldiers' encampment on the open plain was not tenable, so they retreated to higher ground
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in justifiable
capable of being defended with good reasoning against verbal attack
the tenable theory that a giant meteor strike set off a chain of events resulting in the demise of the dinosaurs
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Recent Examples of tenable
David Harris, a University of Pittsburgh law professor specializing in criminal law, said the charges against the protesters are more tenable, given the federal laws against disrupting the free exercise of worship.
—
Josh Funk, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable.
—Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 19 Jan. 2026
The premise that China would remain a status-quo power anchored in the old trading order is no longer tenable.
—Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Time, 15 Jan. 2026
After the war, many Iranians hoped things would change and that the government would leverage the nationalistic rally around the flag to introduce a more tenable social contract with the populace.
—Cnn Staff, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tenable
Josh Funk, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable.
—Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 19 Jan. 2026
The premise that China would remain a status-quo power anchored in the old trading order is no longer tenable.
—Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Time, 15 Jan. 2026
After the war, many Iranians hoped things would change and that the government would leverage the nationalistic rally around the flag to introduce a more tenable social contract with the populace.
—Cnn Staff, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tenable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenable
Adjective
-
The safe, defendable choice wasn’t necessarily the right one though.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Their frustration is justifiable.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
4 May 2026
-
The term midlist, in contrast, is reserved for new books for which publication seems economically justifiable but are not otherwise expected to become fast-selling bestsellers, and indeed, most new books end up being on the midlist.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
As in traditional sieges, the focus is on the vulnerable flow of supplies rather than a defended position.—
Vikram Mittal,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2026
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Some defended efforts by staff to correct the books, while others demanded answers on how the accounting error had gone unnoticed through three full audit cycles.—
Mona Darwish,
Oc Register,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
What level of technical visibility would be necessary to complete annual impact assessments or maintain defensible governance programs?—
Alonzo Martinez,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
-
Like most popular movements, masculinism has many entry points, and both defensible and alarming forms.—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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According to the evaluation, 83% of participants receiving housing subsidies remained housed after one year, exceeding the program’s retention goal, while 56% of 460 participants studied obtained subsidies and secured housing.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
2 May 2026
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The site design also features restroom facilities, laundry machines, internet access and a secured perimeter with around-the-clock onsite security.—
Hannah Elsmore,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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California consumers are suing Cento Fine Foods, alleging the company falsely labels its products as containing San Marzano tomatoes, a premium Italian variety with protected status requiring specific consortium certification.—
Itzel Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
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An informed voter is a protected democracy.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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The tabletop lid comes with four drink holders, and the latch and lock closure keeps the contents secure.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
14 May 2026
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Proprietary research informed its unique polymer formulation, which adapts to the wearer’s body for a secure and comfortable fit that minimizes leakage.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tenable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenable. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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