as in misleading
formal
not capable of being defended against attack or criticism; not tenable
an untenable argument The theory is untenable.
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Recent Examples of untenable
This unsustainable path for US debt growth seems likely to render the enactment of more massive green energy subsidy programs by a closely divided congress untenable for the foreseeable future.
—
David Blackmon, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
In the clinic, mistrust can create an untenable situation.
—Daniel T. Kim, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2025
Combined with rising insurance costs, some communities might be all but abandoned and many could become economically untenable for homeowners.
—Ben Kesslen, Quartz, 3 Feb. 2025
Using military planes, which could hold tons of cargo, for exporting immigrants is unconscionable — the expense alone should make that untenable.
—Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for untenable
David Blackmon, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
In the clinic, mistrust can create an untenable situation.
—Daniel T. Kim, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2025
Combined with rising insurance costs, some communities might be all but abandoned and many could become economically untenable for homeowners.
—Ben Kesslen, Quartz, 3 Feb. 2025
Using military planes, which could hold tons of cargo, for exporting immigrants is unconscionable — the expense alone should make that untenable.
—Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for untenable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untenable
Adjective
-
Salesforce shares fell in extended trading Wednesday on mixed quarterly results and weak guidance.—
Kevin Stankiewicz,
CNBC,
27 Feb. 2025
-
There aren’t enough affordable ones and the charging infrastructure is weak.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The ban is an irrational and prejudicial attack on service members who have risked their lives to serve their country.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
18 Feb. 2025
-
The emotional, messy, unquantifiable part of us — that’s not a dumber or more irrational part.—
Sigal Samuel,
Vox,
6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
This protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
20 Feb. 2025
-
The price isn’t unreasonable given the amount of detail that went into designing it and the combination of functions, including the antimicrobial and cooling materials, as well as its adaptability.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
20 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Untenable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untenable. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.
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