An opinion, system, or action that is defensible is one that people can argue is right or good.
Her reasons for acting are morally defensible.
Synonyms: justifiable, right, sound, reasonable More Synonyms of defensible
More Synonyms of defensible
defensible in British English
(dɪˈfɛnsɪbəl)
adjective
capable of being defended, as in war, an argument, etc
Derived forms
defensibility (deˌfensiˈbility) or defensibleness (deˈfensibleness)
noun
defensibly (deˈfensibly)
adverb
defensible in American English
(diˈfɛnsəbəl; dɪˈfɛnsəbəl)
adjective
that can be defended, protected, or justified
Derived forms
defensibility (deˌfensiˈbility)
noun
defensibly (deˈfensibly)
adverb
Word origin
ME & OFr defensable < L defensabilis < defensare, intens. < defendere: see defend
Examples of 'defensible' in a sentence
defensible
Labour had arrived at a series of defensible policy positions.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
We have to make sure that any activity we take is legally defensible.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It is not morally defensible to recycle failing teachers around the system.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
That is not a defensible position.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
This second drop was far less defensible morally, but it had the desired result.
Garraty, John Arthur The American Nation: A History of the United States to 1877 (1995)
It's not good enough and nor is it morally defensible.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
There may be various degrees of justice within such a framework, but the system itself is morally defensible.
Henry, John F The Making of Neoclassical Economics (1990)
East's defence was less defensible.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There is a perfectly defensible case to be made for a Britain that engages less actively in the questions that confront the world.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Finally, they help protect the organization from legal risk by restricting the behaviors of organizational members to those that are legally defensible.
Tompkins, Jonathan Human Resource Management in Government (1995)
Unless some easily defensible frontier could be found, the northerners would remain outside the Imperial frontiers.
Frank Welsh THE FOUR NATIONS: A History of the United Kingdom (2002)
On the contrary; it's perfectly logical and defensible.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Name withheld No, it is not morally defensible.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
1 (adjective)
Definition
capable of being defended because believed to be right
Her reasons for action are morally defensible.
Synonyms
justifiable
the strong and justifiable desire for independence
right
That's absolutely right!
sound
They are trained nutritionists who can give sound advice on diets.
reasonable
a perfectly reasonable decision
acceptable
sensible
valid
Both sides have made valid points.
legitimate
That's a perfectly legitimate fear.
plausible
permissible
well-founded
We must respond to well-founded criticism with a willingness to change.
tenable
This argument is simply not tenable.
excusable
He had made a simple but excusable mistake.
pardonable
vindicable
Opposites
wrong
,
untenable
,
unforgivable
,
inexcusable
,
unjustifiable
,
unpardonable
,
insupportable
2 (adjective)
the creation of defensible borders
Synonyms
secure
We shall make sure our home is as secure as possible.
safe
We are assured by our engineers that the building is safe.
unassailable
They have established an unassailable lead at the top of their division.
impregnable
The old fort with its thick, high walls was virtually impregnable.
holdable
Additional synonyms
in the sense of excusable
He had made a simple but excusable mistake.
Synonyms
forgivable,
understandable,
justifiable,
permissible,
minor,
slight,
allowable,
defensible,
venial,
pardonable,
warrantable
in the sense of impregnable
Definition
unable to be broken into or taken by force
The old fort with its thick, high walls was virtually impregnable.
Synonyms
invulnerable,
strong,
secure,
unbeatable,
invincible,
impenetrable,
unassailable,
indestructible,
immovable,
unshakable,
unconquerable
in the sense of legitimate
Definition
based on correct or acceptable principles of reasoning