assertion

noun

as·​ser·​tion ə-ˈsər-shən How to pronounce assertion (audio)
a-
: the act of asserting or something that is asserted: such as
a
: insistent and positive affirming, maintaining, or defending (as of a right or attribute)
an assertion of ownership/innocence
b
: a declaration that something is the case
He presented no evidence to support his assertions.

Examples of assertion in a Sentence

the assertion that all men have certain unalienable rights is set forth in the Declaration of Independence made the unlikely assertion that gravity affects light
Recent Examples on the Web These plaintiffs raised the extortion claims months ago, but their May 14 filing makes the claims more explicit by alleging that bank documents back the assertions. CBS News, 31 May 2024 Pentagon officials said that SpaceX had argued that another national security launch provider was unnecessary, an assertion that Mr. Henry did not dispute. Eric Lipton, New York Times, 28 May 2024 Not everyone sees the attacks as interconnected, Kallas told the Associated Press, despite NATO’s assertion this month that Moscow is intensifying its campaign against the alliance from the Baltics to Britain. Emma Burrows, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2024 California voters have consistently supported the state’s assertion of leadership on climate issues and deserve this opportunity to exercise their democratic right and build climate resilience for their homes and communities. Bill Magavern, The Mercury News, 14 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for assertion 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'assertion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see assert

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of assertion was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near assertion

Cite this Entry

“Assertion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assertion. Accessed 9 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

assertion

noun
as·​ser·​tion ə-ˈsər-shən How to pronounce assertion (audio)
a-
: the act of asserting
also : something asserted : declaration

More from Merriam-Webster on assertion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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