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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defensible
Homeowners throughout the city can remove trees planted within 5 feet of their home to create defensible space between the building and vegetation.
—
Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026
Then Miami gave Jovic a four-year, $62 million deal that seemed defensible at the time but now stands as a regrettable mistake, in retrospect.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026
To that point, promoting academic progress of member schools is a defensible position for the NCAA to take.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Ideas move quickly, but within boundaries that feel measurable and defensible.
—Big Think, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defensible
Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026
Then Miami gave Jovic a four-year, $62 million deal that seemed defensible at the time but now stands as a regrettable mistake, in retrospect.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026
To that point, promoting academic progress of member schools is a defensible position for the NCAA to take.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Ideas move quickly, but within boundaries that feel measurable and defensible.
—Big Think, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensible
Adjective
-
The safe, defendable choice wasn’t necessarily the right one though.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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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
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Prosecutors have determined that the police shooting of a man in South San Francisco in December was legally justifiable and no charges will be filed against the involved officers.—
Caelyn Pender,
Mercury News,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The extended range allows aircraft to strike without entering heavily defended zones, reducing risk to pilots and platforms.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Apr. 2026
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Private firefighting outfits defended companies, utilities, and ultrarich enclaves while other parts of the city burned.—
Vann R. Newkirk II,
The Atlantic,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The extra height makes the space feel more protected and cozy.—
Kristin Hohenadel,
The Spruce,
24 Apr. 2026
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If your income comes primarily from protected sources like Social Security or disability benefits, a court judgment may pose little immediate threat.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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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
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Thousands secured tickets to watch the game on a big screen just outside the building.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensible. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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