assert

verb

as·​sert ə-ˈsərt 

a-

asserted; asserting; asserts

transitive verb

1

a

: to state or declare positively and often forcefully or aggressively

The suspect continued to assert his innocence.

b

: to compel or demand acceptance or recognition of (something, such as one's authority)

… the confrontations that inevitably occur [between orangutans] when several males try to assert dominance …

—National Geographic

Wallace asserted control early—shutting down both candidates when they tried to talk over one another, and shushing the audience when it reacted too audibly.

—Glenn Thrush

2

a

: to demonstrate the existence of

He wished to vindicate himself in some way, to assert his manhood.

—James Joyce

b

: posit, postulate

assertible

ə-ˈsər-tə-bəl 

a-

adjective

an assertible defense

see also:

assert oneself

Synonyms of assert

• declare
• affirm
• proclaim
• profess

Choose the Right Synonym for assert

assert, declare, affirm, protest, avow mean to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection.

assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence.

asserted that modern music is just noise

declare stresses open or public statement.

declared her support for the candidate

affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith.

affirmed the existence of an afterlife

protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt.

protested that he really had been misquoted

avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared.

avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

synonyms see in addition maintain

Examples of assert in a Sentence

He asserted that there were spies in the government.

She asserted her independence from her parents by getting her own apartment.

The boss was reluctant to assert his authority over his employees.

Recent Examples on the Web

Among Gage’s jobs at Henry’s court was taking stock of monasteries and either turning their possessions over to the Crown or destroying them, as the king sought to both increase his wealth and assert himself as leader of the Church of England. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 16 Sep. 2026

De Paula asserts himself with a confident shake of the head after each pitch outside the strike zone. — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

The party asserting the defense generally bears the burden of establishing it. — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026

Responding quickly gives you a better chance of asserting any exemptions that apply while also finding a longer-term solution for the underlying debt. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin assertus, past participle of asserere, from ad- + serere to join — more at series

First Known Use

circa 1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing assert

• assert itself
• assert oneself

Rhymes for assert

• alert
• avert
• dessert
• divert
• evert
• exert
• inert
• insert
• invert
• nightshirt
• overt
• revert

Kids Definition

assert

verb

as·​sert ə-ˈsərt 

a-

1

: to state clearly and strongly

2

: to make others aware of

assert your rights

Legal Definition

assert

transitive verb

as·​sert ə-ˈsərt 

: to present and demand recognition of

assert a claim

assertion

ə-ˈsər-shən 

noun