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
But recent developments made that position untenable.
—
Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024
For businesses that value respect and professionalism in their engagements, this environment is untenable.
—Amy Blankson, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
The energy giant also continues to insist Moldova's outstanding debts make supplying the country by other circuitous routes — such as through a Russian-Turkish pipeline that tunnels under the Black Sea — untenable.
—Charles Maynes, NPR, 9 Jan. 2025
If the situation has become as untenable as some of the recent reporting seems to be alluding to, this sort of trade would be like a mulligan on the Miller extension.
—Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for untenable 
Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024
For businesses that value respect and professionalism in their engagements, this environment is untenable.
—Amy Blankson, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
The energy giant also continues to insist Moldova's outstanding debts make supplying the country by other circuitous routes — such as through a Russian-Turkish pipeline that tunnels under the Black Sea — untenable.
—Charles Maynes, NPR, 9 Jan. 2025
If the situation has become as untenable as some of the recent reporting seems to be alluding to, this sort of trade would be like a mulligan on the Miller extension.
—Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for untenable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untenable
Adjective
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Its economy is already facing a deepening malaise, brought on by a property crisis, mounting government debt and weak consumer spending.—
David Pierson,
New York Times,
22 Jan. 2025
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The team continues to play great with a different weak spot each season, so maybe that’s part of the excitement and drama of being a fan of the franchise now. · 5h 1m ago Thanks Chandler, good stuff as always.—
Chandler Rome,
The Athletic,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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After a turbulent period of irrational exuberance followed by skepticism, the creator economy appears poised for its second major growth cycle, with M&A activity forecast to accelerate significantly in 2025.—
Ian Shepherd,
Forbes,
15 Jan. 2025
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Now comes a cataclysm in the country’s foremost blue state that is traceable, in part, to irrational progressive priorities and may prove a millstone around the neck of one of the foremost talents on the Democratic bench, California governor Gavin Newsom.—
Rich Lowry,
National Review,
15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Reddit Reacts Reddit users supported OP, pointing out the unreasonable nature of the neighbor's behavior.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
24 Jan. 2025
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The question the Supreme Court will consider Wednesday is whether courts can look at everything that happened during the 2016 traffic stop in determining if the officer can be tried for unreasonable force under the Fourth Amendment.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA TODAY,
22 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near untenable
Cite this Entry
“Untenable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untenable. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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