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
The present situation is untenable for the future health and safety of the city:
New supportive housing for homeless New Yorkers with serious mental illness cycling in and out of jail?
—
Jonathan Lippman, New York Daily News, 27 June 2025
He was involved in the team’s business operations and was Dick’s boss until Charlie’s battle with alcohol made that role untenable.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 22 June 2025
While most Israelis are required to serve – three years for men, two for women – Haredi men have long been granted exemptions, a policy increasingly seen as untenable amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2025
Her grandfather believed that was untenable, Monica Church said, and instead sought compromise with mining groups, ranchers and others.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for untenable
Jonathan Lippman, New York Daily News, 27 June 2025
He was involved in the team’s business operations and was Dick’s boss until Charlie’s battle with alcohol made that role untenable.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 22 June 2025
While most Israelis are required to serve – three years for men, two for women – Haredi men have long been granted exemptions, a policy increasingly seen as untenable amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2025
Her grandfather believed that was untenable, Monica Church said, and instead sought compromise with mining groups, ranchers and others.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for untenable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untenable
Adjective
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Precious metals and mining stocks were weak across both markets.—
Brendan Ahern,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
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But Democrats see Earle-Sears as a far weaker candidate than Youngkin, operating a worse environment for the GOP.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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So watch for seemingly irrational behavior and erratic tactical moves, as leadership is unafraid to confuse customers and take outsized capital risks.—
Forrester,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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As Reva relates the stories of her three main characters—including one whose true passion is snail conservation—her novel hums with bruised faith in the irrational power of hope, whether for peace, love, endangered species, or familial reconciliation.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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In making arrests, the federal government allegedly went against both immigration laws and the Fourth Amendment, which protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government, the plaintiffs argue.—
Laura Rodríguez Presa,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
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Medical device safety alert: issued in situations where a medical device may present an unreasonable risk of substantial harm.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
3 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Untenable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untenable. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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