defensible

adjective

de·fen·si·ble di-ˈfen(t)-sə-bəl

Synonyms of defensible next

: capable of being defended

defensible theories

a defensible hill

defensibility

di-ˌfen(t)-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē

ˌdē-

noun

defensibly

di-ˈfen(t)-sə-blē

adverb

Examples of defensible in a Sentence

Both candidates hold defensible positions on the issue. Under those circumstances, her actions were completely defensible. Slavery is not morally defensible. The city has a defensible location.

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

The Saratoga Fire District and County Fire remind us all to clear brush for a defensible space around our homes. —

Debby Rice, The Mercury News, 30 Oct. 2024 Invest in Fire-Resistant Landscaping: If your property is at risk for wildfires, consider fire-resistant landscaping—using plants with high moisture content and creating defensible space around your home. —

Monica Sanders, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 However, other legal scholars and academics argue the attacks were entirely defensible under international law. —

Willem Marx, NPR, 20 Sep. 2024 In this area, be sure to give sheds and propane tanks their own defensible space, just like around the house, and prune all low branches to 6 feet. —

Bryce Young Christopher Moran, WIRED, 20 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for defensible

Word History

Etymology

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)" — more at -able

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of defensible was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century