adjective

tenable

TEN-uh-bul/ˈtenəbl/

Able to be defended or justified.

Her explanation remains tenable because it fits all available evidence.

$A mathematical claim is visibly supported by a concrete demonstration: two equal-sized circular fraction models show that one half and two quarters cover exactly the same area, making the displayed equality defensible.$

Etymology

tenLatinto hold, maintain

+ableFrenchcapable of being

A tenable position is one that can be held against attack. Applied first to fortresses and later to theories, the word makes defending an argument resemble holding a stronghold.

In context

Modern-Day Debate62:57

we saw the 24-hour circling sun in Antarctica and you have not yet provided a model of any sort for Flat Earth where it could possibly be tenable

DEBATE: Is Flat Earth Still Tenable After The Final Experiment? | MCToon Vs Brian'sLogic

More examples

The new findings make that theory less tenable.
Ignoring these safety warnings is no longer a tenable position.
Both interpretations are tenable, though I prefer yours.

Forms

tenable

tenability noun — The quality of being defensible or justifiable.

untenable adjective — Unable to be reasonably defended or justified.

Similar words

defensible: Emphasizes the ability to withstand criticism or attack.
justifiable: Emphasizes having adequate reasons or grounds for a claim.