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
Although New York was able to score seemingly at will, their defense was also giving up an exorbitant amount of points, and this level of defense is not tenable for an entire series.
—
Mikai Bruce, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Figuring out a tenable future with Hendrickson’s contract is part of this, too.
—Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
Even though tariffs on Chinese goods have now been lowered to 30% from 145%, this is still barely tenable.
—Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
The status quo is not tenable — and survival will not be granted to those who simply wait it out.
—Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tenable
Mikai Bruce, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Figuring out a tenable future with Hendrickson’s contract is part of this, too.
—Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
Even though tariffs on Chinese goods have now been lowered to 30% from 145%, this is still barely tenable.
—Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
The status quo is not tenable — and survival will not be granted to those who simply wait it out.
—Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tenable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenable
Adjective
-
In light of these events, the stock’s descent below $5 seems justifiable.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
-
To some, his grievances are universal and justifiable.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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The United States is a sovereign nation with defensible borders—a homeland that protects our national interests, defends our distinctly American people, and promotes lasting peace and prosperity.—
Riley Moore,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
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Dalton described spending about $2,000 trimming trees and another $500 putting down gravel to create defensible space.—
Rob Davis,
ProPublica,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The next step is to make an initial deposit with a secure payment method, like a credit card.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Aug. 2025
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If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tenable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenable. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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