as in misleading
formal
not capable of being defended against attack or criticism; not tenable
an untenable argument The theory is untenable.
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Recent Examples of untenable
However, maintaining it without a genuine re-evaluation is equally untenable.
—
Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
But while the plan may be untenable, some education experts say pitting research at the world’s wealthiest university against support for low-cost trade schools is a savvy move.
—Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 28 May 2025
For the Trump administration, the cease-fire offered a quick end to what was an increasingly untenable campaign.
—April Longley Alley, Foreign Affairs, 9 May 2025
Jackson’s salary-cap number rises to $74.5 million in 2026, which would be untenable.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for untenable
Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
But while the plan may be untenable, some education experts say pitting research at the world’s wealthiest university against support for low-cost trade schools is a savvy move.
—Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 28 May 2025
For the Trump administration, the cease-fire offered a quick end to what was an increasingly untenable campaign.
—April Longley Alley, Foreign Affairs, 9 May 2025
Jackson’s salary-cap number rises to $74.5 million in 2026, which would be untenable.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for untenable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untenable
Adjective
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The inference here is that women’s speech is coded as weak and men’s, the direct opposite.—
Megan C. Reynolds,
Time,
27 June 2025
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Total textile and apparel exports declined from $44.4 billion in fiscal year 2022 to $35.8 billion in fiscal year 2024 (ending March 31), due to weak global demand and elevated production costs.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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It’s been reopened in chunks, thanks to the unrelenting optimism and irrational persistence of a corps of downtown residents led by Rodriguez and Rosa Chang.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
16 June 2025
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On the other hand, especially given that the vote was still restricted to only a small minority of propertied men, the rise of party politics itself sharpened the age-old mistrust of popular judgment as irrational and easily swayed—especially by lies.—
Fara Dabhoiwala,
Harpers Magazine,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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Solomon, 47, of Fairburn, was arraigned in federal court on June 17 on charges of using unreasonable force and obstructing justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia said in a news release.—
Julia Marnin,
Miami Herald,
18 June 2025
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California Department of Education officials in 2018 found that school staff used unreasonable and unnecessary force in restraining Max.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Untenable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untenable. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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