defensible

adjective

de·​fen·​si·​ble di-ˈfen(t)-sə-bəl 

: 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

Synonyms

• defendable
• tenable

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

Homeowners in those zones, meanwhile, must maintain defensible space and conduct annual brush clearance. —Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025

The 100 feet of defensible space doesn’t mean every plant will be yanked out. —Erika I. Ritchie, Orange County Register, 27 Feb. 2025

Cal Fire has more details on hardening your home to withstand wildfires and create a defensible space around your property. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025

Our Evolve Student Housing project will be built to the highest modern fire safety standards with Type I-B (fire-resistant concrete) construction, a new perimeter fire road, a new secondary emergency access road to Aztec Circle Drive and a 100-foot defensible fire buffer zone. —Cynthia Aranda Cervantes, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for defensible

• sensible
• compensable
• condensable
• dispensable
• extensible
• insensible
• ostensible
• comprehensible
• indefensible
• indispensable
• reprehensible
• supersensible