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
Others, like Goggin, say the working conditions became untenable.
—
Andrea Hsu, NPR, 18 Dec. 2025
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who is accused of gambling conspiracy, is paying the legal expenses of a co-defendant, creating an untenable conflict of interest, federal prosecutors said Tuesday.
—Tom Winter, NBC news, 17 Dec. 2025
If one sets aside the faulty assumption that nuclear deterrence will hold, then increasing Europe’s reliance on nuclear weapons—or even just maintaining it—becomes an untenable proposition.
—Siegfried Hecker, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
The rising cost of living has become untenable for many locals.
—Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for untenable
Andrea Hsu, NPR, 18 Dec. 2025
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who is accused of gambling conspiracy, is paying the legal expenses of a co-defendant, creating an untenable conflict of interest, federal prosecutors said Tuesday.
—Tom Winter, NBC news, 17 Dec. 2025
If one sets aside the faulty assumption that nuclear deterrence will hold, then increasing Europe’s reliance on nuclear weapons—or even just maintaining it—becomes an untenable proposition.
—Siegfried Hecker, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
The rising cost of living has become untenable for many locals.
—Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for untenable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untenable
Adjective
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Experts immediately pointed out that Hassett had used a misleading method known as a cubic fit to make the mortality data appear less frightening.—
Rogé Karma,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
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For its misleading omissions, the Times story deserves a flunking grade.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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New orders contracted for a fourth month and export bookings remained weak, based on the ISM data.—
Reade Pickert Bloomberg,
Arkansas Online,
6 Jan. 2026
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Getting too little of either can lead to weak, brittle bones, and too much can also cause problems (like kidney stones or nausea).—
T'Keyah Bazin,
Verywell Health,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Cramer warned that these moments can feel chaotic — even irrational — but are often driven by valuation extremes finally snapping back toward equilibrium.—
Luke Fountain,
CNBC,
8 Jan. 2026
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Often, these unjustifiable fears arise simply because people draw irrational conclusions from rational concerns.—
Jody Mamone,
Hartford Courant,
2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Importantly, the president already has full legal authority to impose tariffs when other nations’ behavior places an unreasonable burden on our economy, including through environmental negligence.—
Chip Lamarca,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Jan. 2026
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The logic was that Spirit had projected the league would grow at a rate that the league itself found unreasonable, and so would not be able to field a team while also paying Rodman.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
4 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Untenable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untenable. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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