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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
-
Despite this justifiable excitement the road toward comprehensive and pro-growth crypto regulation remains an uphill endeavor for crypto investors and enthusiasts.—
Sean Stein Smith,
Forbes,
19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
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
Adjective
-
Over a decade the breakaway region felt secure enough in its relationship with Georgia and vice versa that the constitutional court of Georgia is now in Adjara.—
Saleem H. Ali,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
-
Once Vinny felt safe and secure in his new surroundings, his confidence reemerged and Soots set to work on his physical rehabilitation.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tenable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenable. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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