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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective assertive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of assertive are aggressive, militant, and self-assertive. While all these words mean "obtrusively energetic especially in pursuing particular goals," assertive suggests bold self-confidence in expression of opinion.

the more assertive speakers dominated the forum

When is it sensible to use aggressive instead of assertive?

While the synonyms aggressive and assertive are close in meaning, aggressive implies a disposition to dominate often in disregard of others' rights or in determined and energetic pursuit of one's ends.

aggressive in his business dealings

When is militant a more appropriate choice than assertive?

The meanings of militant and assertive largely overlap; however, militant also implies a fighting disposition but suggests not self-seeking but devotion to a cause, movement, or principle.

militant protesters rallied against the new law

In what contexts can self-assertive take the place of assertive?

While in some cases nearly identical to assertive, self-assertive connotes forwardness or brash self-confidence.

a self-assertive young upstart

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of assertive India’s presence at the event is the most telling example yet of the warming ties between the two Asian powers – a budding realignment that threatens to undo years-long US efforts to cultivate New Delhi as a counterweight against a rising and increasingly assertive China. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025 Elliott just tries to go with the flow, often making things worse by not being more assertive. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 22 Aug. 2025 Using a cast-iron skillet promotes a more assertive sear than grill grates. Brennan Long, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025 The New York Post is launching a California tabloid newspaper and news site next year, the company announced Monday, bringing an assertive, irreverent and conservative-friendly fixture of the Big Apple media landscape to the Golden State. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assertive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertive
Adjective
  • Mid-summer changes to United’s revolving credit facility indicated a switch in strategy, and there was a more aggressive approach in the market following a summit in Iceland between Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The occurrences grew more aggressive over time, with the Smurls' 75-pound German shepherd getting slammed into a wall and Jack getting attacked while praying.
    Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Or will the Eagles, who lost some key defensive pieces this offseason but retain their top players on both sides of the ball, open the season with an emphatic NFC East win at home?
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Several commenters expressed their support for him, saying emphatic no’s and doubling down on how funny the skit was.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Although the Taiwanese chip titan has kicked off ambitious global expansion plans in the US, Japan and Germany, at least 80% of its production capacity will remain in Taiwan by 2030, according to TrendForce, a market research firm.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
  • As the season progresses, the stories do get more ambitious, and major errors—of reporting practice or of mere conscience—are generally avoided.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Johnson’s vigorous off-ball movement and ability to put the ball on the floor to come off screens and attack close-outs for drive-and-kick assists to perimeter shooters, as well as to keep defenses rotating and connect offensive actions, looks to be a seamless fit with his new squad.
    Joel Rush, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • New ball crew members are selected through a vigorous tryout process that takes place in late June.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Researchers measured violent and property crime data from 2023, fatal car accidents, drug overdose deaths and excessive drinking rates.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Alderman Raymond Lopez, a Democrat from Chicago’s 15th Ward, wants Trump to send the National Guard to his city because of the violent crime to which people in his city are subjected.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Saturday's opponent, Arkansas State, promises to have a much more dynamic attack with quarterback Jaylen Raynor and plenty of speed at the skill positions.
    Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The Argentina squad has continued to get younger and more dynamic.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assertive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertive. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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