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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of assertive
Practicing assertive communication — expressing needs clearly, calmly and respectfully — not only prevents the buildup of resentment, but also reinforces the relational norm that both partners’ experiences matter.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
The attendant was not warm or gentle, but her assertive touch felt motherly, even sensible.
—Anna Haines, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025
Cyber Force is a strategic reset—replacing reactive defense with assertive offense.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Anker Speaker Deals Here's an assertive Bluetooth speaker from Anker that's a little bigger than some of the others on this list, but earns its size with potent bass-forward sound and a massive battery that'll last up to a full day of use.
—K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for assertive
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
The attendant was not warm or gentle, but her assertive touch felt motherly, even sensible.
—Anna Haines, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025
Cyber Force is a strategic reset—replacing reactive defense with assertive offense.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Anker Speaker Deals Here's an assertive Bluetooth speaker from Anker that's a little bigger than some of the others on this list, but earns its size with potent bass-forward sound and a massive battery that'll last up to a full day of use.
—K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for assertive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertive
Adjective
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More likely than an all-out boycott, say attorneys, is a new era in which taxpayers and their accountants push the envelope with aggressive tax-planning techniques that may escape the review of an understaffed agency.—
Robert Frank,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2025
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Even though Trump showed signs of softening his aggressive tariff plan with an exemption last week for smartphones, computers and other electronics and floated a temporary exemption for autos, the administration continues to be amadamant more tariffs are coming soon.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The Mavericks, on the other hand, are coming off an emphatic road win over the Kings.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
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Catcher Rob Brantly fielded Josh Bell’s dribbler, stepped on home plate and fired the ball to first, ending the threat and eliciting an emphatic fist pump from Quantrill.—
Steve Gorten,
Miami Herald,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Many experts say that far more ambitious objective is unlikely to be achieved without cutting major federal programs like Social Security and Medicare, which President Trump has vowed not to touch.—
Alain Sherter,
CBS News,
25 Apr. 2025
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In 1978, an ambitious and rebellious young woman, Marina Bulgari, decamped from her family business to branch out with her own jewelry brand.—
Roxanne Robinson,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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One study showed that a maximum reduction in mortality could result from 150 to 300 minutes per week of vigorous activity, 300 to 600 minutes per week of moderate physical activity, or a combination of these.2 2.—
Amy Kwan,
Verywell Health,
16 Apr. 2025
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Advocates of vigorous government oversight look upon the concept of federal preemption as a tool of deregulation.—
Glenn G. Lammi,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The ads target the state House Democrats over taxes and violent crime, as well as women’s and girl’s safety.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
22 Apr. 2025
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Angry Birds: Climate Change and Avian Migration Olivia Box April 3, 2022 Temperature fluctuations throughout the years are affecting bird migration and mating, with sometimes violent results.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Static metrics in a dynamic world are like old maps for new continents.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
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In today’s dynamic financial landscape, access to expert insights is paramount.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Assertive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertive. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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