1
as in aggressive
having or showing a bold forcefulness in the pursuit of a goal
some reef fish are assertive in defending their territory
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in emphatic
marked by or uttered with forcefulness
after months of assertive declarations that he would not run for president, he announced he was running
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of assertive
Rising regional tensions have pushed Tokyo to expand its military spending, signaling a more assertive defense posture.
—
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025
Grazer is known for her assertive fishing style and willingness to challenge larger males.
—Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Rummo gluten-free pasta was an unlikely contender, given its high proportion of corn and the fact that similar products have a tendency to taste like corn, which is an assertive flavor that isn't often welcome in pasta dishes.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025
But since then, he’s been implored by teammates and coaches to be more assertive and aggressive offensively.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for assertive
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025
Grazer is known for her assertive fishing style and willingness to challenge larger males.
—Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Rummo gluten-free pasta was an unlikely contender, given its high proportion of corn and the fact that similar products have a tendency to taste like corn, which is an assertive flavor that isn't often welcome in pasta dishes.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025
But since then, he’s been implored by teammates and coaches to be more assertive and aggressive offensively.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for assertive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertive
Adjective
-
The offensive line had five presnap penalties, and allowed four sacks and 11 tackles for loss to an aggressive Lobos defense.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
12 Oct. 2025
-
Not only does the quarterback need to be accurate and aggressive, but the play caller needs to dial up ways to create advantageous one-on-one situations and the receivers have to win those chances.—
Derrik Klassen,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
An emphatic 8-4 win has softened the blow a bit — especially with Zach Benson and his four assists back in the lineup — and the Sabres are missing key pieces on defense.—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
-
The speaker removes the bag from the face of the man kneeling before him, who then proceeds to flash a Hollywood smile and give an emphatic thumbs-up.—
T. M. Brown,
New Yorker,
15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
O'Connor does a great job of embodying the character of Mooney, who is not the ambitious criminal the film's title suggests.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
17 Oct. 2025
-
In the moment that summarizes one of Good News’ thematic throughlines, Nobody is speaking to Seo Go-myung (Weak Hero Class 1’s Hong Kyung), an ambitious Air Force lieutenant who is as close to an audience surrogate as Good News gets.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Add stock and bring to a vigorous simmer over medium-high.—
Elizabeth Mervosh,
Southern Living,
12 Oct. 2025
-
The participants completed at least two daily exercise snacks (defined as moderate-vigorous to near-maximal physical activity for five minutes or less), three times a week or more, over a period of 4 to 12 weeks.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Others, like Ghiath Dalla, a brigadier general whose forces were involved in violent repression of protests, is among several former officers plotting sabotage from Lebanon, according to ex-military commanders, who also shared text message exchanges with The Times.—
Danny Makki,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Continue reading … FED UP – Trump storms most violent US city with federal muscle as police group warns of soft-on-crime consequences.—
,
FOXNews.com,
15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
For parents and leaders, the CLA is a framework that explains how dynamic systems (like people) work.—
Joe Boylan,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
But much of his story focuses on Spears and their tumultuous romance, from the whirlwind of attention to their inevitably contentious dynamic.—
Steven J. Horowitz,
Variety,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Assertive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertive. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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