Tenable — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈte-nə-bəl/ ten·a·ble

Meaning & Definition of Tenable

Tenable (adjective)

  1. capable of being held, maintained, or defended, defensible, reasonable

Tenable (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. capable of being defended against physical attack

    "the soldiers' encampment on the open plain was not tenable, so they retreated to higher ground"

    similar: defendable, defensible
    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

    "the tenable theory that a giant meteor strike set off a chain of events resulting in the demise of the dinosaurs"

    similar: defendable, defensible, justifiable, maintainable, supportable, sustainable
    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 Tenable

The most common words with a similar meaning to Tenable:

defendable, defensible, justifiable, maintainable, supportable, sustainable

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Tenable

Words with the opposite meaning of Tenable:

indefensible, untenable, insupportable, unjustifiable, unsustainable

Related Words for Tenable

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 Tenable

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 Tenable

Derived words: tenability (noun), tenableness (noun), tenably (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Tenable

borrowed from Middle French, going back to Old French, "capable of being defended against attack," from tenir "to hold, have possession of" + -able -able tenant:1

First known use: 1579

Frequently Asked Questions about Tenable

What does "Tenable" mean?

"Tenable" means capable of being held, maintained, or defended, defensible, reasonable. As an adjective, it is defined as: capable of being held, maintained, or defended, defensible, reasonable. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Tenable"?

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

What are different ways to say "Tenable"?

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

What is the opposite of "Tenable"?

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

How do you use "Tenable" in a sentence?

Examples of "Tenable" in a sentence: "the soldiers' encampment on the open plain was not tenable, so they retreated to higher ground"; "the tenable theory that a giant meteor strike set off a chain of events resulting in the demise of the dinosaurs".

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

"Tenable" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Tenable"?

"Tenable" is pronounced /ˈte-nə-bəl/ and divided into syllables as ten·a·ble.

What is the origin of the word "Tenable"?

"Tenable" comes from borrowed from Middle French, going back to Old French, "capable of being defended against attack," from tenir "to hold, have possession of" + -able -able tenant:1. First known use: 1579.