UNTENABLE Synonyms: 87 Similar and Opposite Words

untenable

adjective

Definition of untenable

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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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of untenable Nevada promptly sued, arguing the plan is untenable for Las Vegas. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 The defining proof came in 1992, when Britain was maintaining the pound inside Europe’s exchange-rate mechanism at a level that German interest rates had made untenable. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 But Lind said the initiative sends a broader message about the administration’s efforts to make seeking asylum increasingly untenable. — María Luisa Paúl, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 Swope said his group isn’t opposed to a data center but regards this location as untenable. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for untenable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for untenable

Adjective

But in an interview with NPR last year, Patterson said the projection can create a misleading impression when used as a general-purpose world map.

— Jewel Bright, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026
The White House’s misleading stats on oil shipments from the Gulf.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of misleading

Adjective

Many African economies are in a much weaker economic position compared to the strong 2015-2016 El Niño, the IIF report said, largely due to higher oil prices, which have driven up transport costs, and a strong US dollar.

— Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Too much nitrogen in the spring creates a weak root system that isn’t able to withstand the heat and drought in summer.

— Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of weak

Adjective

But the question remained unsolved for polygons with irrational angles.

— Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2026
As a result, the argument goes, today's spending is irrational because the hardware would need to be replaced too frequently to generate an attractive return on investment, known as ROI.

— , CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of irrational

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untechnical

untenable

untended

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“Untenable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untenable. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of untenable

adjective

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