1
as in defendable
capable of being defended against physical attack
the soldiers' encampment on the open plain was not tenable, so they retreated to higher ground
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in justifiable
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of tenable
If so, that might mean that planets which heretofore would never have been seen suitable for the evolution of complex life might become tenable for the evolution of intelligence.
—
Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
This is hardly a tenable course for Washington and its allies during a period of geopolitical conflict, so Trump must pivot.
—Peter E. Harrell, Foreign Affairs, 19 Dec. 2024
After the events of the last week, the Trump administration may decide that a U.S. presence in Iraq is no longer tenable, particularly in an election year.
—Emma Sky, Foreign Affairs, 3 Jan. 2020
As a result, Washington’s default approach to Moscow is no longer tenable.
—Anna Arutunyan, Foreign Affairs, 17 Feb. 2021
See All Example Sentences for tenable
Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
This is hardly a tenable course for Washington and its allies during a period of geopolitical conflict, so Trump must pivot.
—Peter E. Harrell, Foreign Affairs, 19 Dec. 2024
After the events of the last week, the Trump administration may decide that a U.S. presence in Iraq is no longer tenable, particularly in an election year.
—Emma Sky, Foreign Affairs, 3 Jan. 2020
As a result, Washington’s default approach to Moscow is no longer tenable.
—Anna Arutunyan, Foreign Affairs, 17 Feb. 2021
See All Example Sentences for tenable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenable
Adjective
-
The Constitutional Court began the trial on Dec. 27 to review an impeachment motion that accused Yoon of violating his constitutional duty by imposing martial law with no justifiable grounds.—
Reuters,
NBC News,
21 Jan. 2025
-
Twenty-six years ago last week, the Philadelphia Eagles hired a largely obscure Green Bay assistant coach named Andy Reid as their head coach to justifiable skepticism.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The Palisades house, which took six years to complete, incorporated defensible space: a border area from which anything flammable—like dead plants and wooden furniture—is removed.—
Natalie Donback,
TIME,
17 Feb. 2025
-
But there’s no defensible worldview in which presidents should be chosen by a cockamamie system that gives small states disproportionate weight and throws all votes in almost every state to whoever wins their plurality.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
What is the best way to stay private, secure and anonymous while browsing the web?—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
17 Feb. 2025
-
This one's been updated with a slimmer build, a more secure fit for the magnetic pen, and a stronger back clip to attach it to bags and clothing.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
17 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tenable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenable. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share