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 …

—NationalGeographic.com

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

Phrases

assert oneself

1

: to speak or act in a manner that compels recognition especially of one's rights

… she wants him to learn to assert himself with people in positions of authority.

—Malcolm Gladwell

… a long-suffering Irish community asserted itself by putting its own politicians in power.

—Ellis Cose

2

: to become more strongly apparent : to become clearly seen, known, or experienced

Unbidden, a glint asserts itself in Ms. Brown's eyes …

—Joanne Kaufman

… a passion that through its long suppression was now asserting itself with volcanic necessity.

—Zadie Smith

Synonyms

• affirm
• aver
• avouch
• avow
• declare
• guarantee
• lay down
• 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

For months, Texas has asserted that parts of the Rio Grande are not subject to federal laws protecting navigable waters. —CBS News, 1 Dec. 2023

The complaint then asserts that the nurse failed to record the encounter in the jail medical file for several days. —Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Nov. 2023

The union initially asserted that 3,200 students should be counted while USC says 2,700. USC also agreed to stronger protections for international students, including a fund to aid those who lose their visa status during their appointment. —Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2023

So, despite obvious monochromatic aspects, the day in Washington also asserted a sort of polychromatic nature. —Martin Weil, Washington Post, 25 Nov. 2023

According to the court document, Doe is asserting claims pursuant to inter alia, New York common law for assault and battery; the New York City Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act; and the New York City Human Rights Law. —Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 22 Nov. 2023

But before playing the part of Tigris, cousin of future Panem president Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth) and a stylist for tributes in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (out now), Schafer had already asserted herself as a member of The Capitol years before her film debut. —Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 21 Nov. 2023

Another pattern asserts that people feel better when walls are thicker. —Thomas Heatherwick, WSJ, 17 Nov. 2023

Veltman’s attorneys asserted that the attack was not premeditated and that he should be convicted of a lesser charge. —Amanda Coletta, Washington Post, 16 Nov. 2023

See More

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

• assert itself
• assert oneself

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