Defensible — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /di-ˈfen(t)-sə-bəl/ de·fen·si·ble

Meaning & Definition of Defensible

Defensible (adjective)

  1. capable of being defended

Defensible (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. capable of being defended against physical attack

    "the pioneers retreated to a defensible hillside to take a stand against the raiders"

    similar: defendable, tenable
    related: defended, guarded, protected, safeguarded, secure, secured, shielded, bulletproof, impregnable, indomitable, invincible, inviolable, invulnerable, unassailable, unbeatable, unconquerable, untouchable
    opposite: indefensible, untenable
    near: vincible, vulnerable, assailable, exposed, imperiled, insecure, liable, open, susceptible, undefended, unguarded, unprotected, unsecured, defenseless, helpless, powerless, weak

  2. capable of being defended with good reasoning against verbal attack

    "there's simply no defensible reason for dropping out of school"

    similar: defendable, justifiable, maintainable, supportable, sustainable, tenable
    related: rational, reasonable, sensible, well-grounded, acceptable, admissible, allowable, exceptionable, legitimate, passable, unobjectionable, viable, warrantable, confirmable, provable, verifiable, explainable, explicable
    opposite: indefensible, insupportable, unjustifiable, unsustainable, untenable
    near: absurd, illogical, irrational, ridiculous, unsound, extreme, outrageous, unreasonable, groundless, objectionable, unacceptable, unfounded, inexplicable, unexplainable

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Defensible

The most common words with a similar meaning to Defensible:

defendable, tenable, justifiable, maintainable, supportable, sustainable

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Defensible

Words with the opposite meaning of Defensible:

indefensible, untenable, insupportable, unjustifiable, unsustainable

Related Words for Defensible

defended, guarded, protected, safeguarded, secure, secured, shielded, bulletproof, impregnable, indomitable, invincible, inviolable, invulnerable, unassailable, unbeatable, unconquerable, untouchable, rational, reasonable, sensible, well-grounded, acceptable, admissible, allowable, exceptionable, legitimate, passable, unobjectionable, viable, warrantable

Near Antonyms of Defensible

vincible, vulnerable, assailable, exposed, imperiled, insecure, liable, open, susceptible, undefended, unguarded, unprotected, unsecured, defenseless, helpless, powerless, weak, absurd, illogical, irrational, ridiculous, unsound, extreme, outrageous, unreasonable, groundless, objectionable, unacceptable, unfounded, inexplicable

Word Forms of Defensible

Derived words: defensibility (noun), defensibly (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Defensible

Middle English defensable, defensible "ready to fight, easily defended," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin dēfensābilis "able to be defended," from Latin dēfensāre "to act in defense" (frequentative of dēfendere "to defend") + -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy of (being acted upon)" -able

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Defensible

What does "Defensible" mean?

"Defensible" means capable of being defended. As an adjective, it is defined as: capable of being defended. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Defensible"?

Other words for "Defensible" include defendable, tenable, justifiable, maintainable, supportable and sustainable. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Defensible" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Defensible"?

There are 41 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Defensible". Common alternatives include defendable, tenable, justifiable, maintainable, supportable and sustainable.

What is the opposite of "Defensible"?

Antonyms of "Defensible" include indefensible, untenable, insupportable, unjustifiable and unsustainable. Near antonyms include vincible, vulnerable, assailable and exposed.

How do you use "Defensible" in a sentence?

Examples of "Defensible" in a sentence: "the pioneers retreated to a defensible hillside to take a stand against the raiders"; "there's simply no defensible reason for dropping out of school".

Is "Defensible" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Defensible" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Defensible"?

"Defensible" is pronounced /di-ˈfen(t)-sə-bəl/ and divided into syllables as de·fen·si·ble.

What is the origin of the word "Defensible"?

"Defensible" comes from Middle English defensable, defensible "ready to fight, easily defended," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin dēfensābilis "able to be defended," from Latin dēfensāre "to act in defense" (frequentative of dēfendere "to defend") + -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy of (being acted upon)" -able. First known use: 14th century.