as in intensity
the quality or state of being forceful (as in expression)
the assertiveness with which he voices his opinions intimidates some people
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of assertiveness
In Aries, the messenger planet initiates conversations with passion, courage and assertiveness.
—
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Since the start of the Korean War, however, members of Congress have demonstrated more deference and less assertiveness.
—Robert Haswell, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2026
Both view the Lebanese government as still completely incapable of disarming Hezbollah, though both were shocked at the new assertiveness of Beirut as seen by Tuesday’s banishment of Iran’s ambassador.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026
Most organizations overvalue assertiveness.
—Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2026
Carney and Takaichi also agreed to launch bilateral dialogues on economic security and cyber policies as the two countries face China’s growing assertiveness in trade and military activity in the Indo-Pacific.
—ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
Many Japanese, frustrated by China's growing assertiveness, welcomed her comments on Taiwan.
—Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026
Many Japanese, frustrated by China’s growing assertiveness, welcomed her comments on Taiwan.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
Many Japanese, frustrated by China’s growing assertiveness, welcomed her comments on Taiwan.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Since the start of the Korean War, however, members of Congress have demonstrated more deference and less assertiveness.
—Robert Haswell, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2026
Both view the Lebanese government as still completely incapable of disarming Hezbollah, though both were shocked at the new assertiveness of Beirut as seen by Tuesday’s banishment of Iran’s ambassador.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026
Most organizations overvalue assertiveness.
—Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2026
Carney and Takaichi also agreed to launch bilateral dialogues on economic security and cyber policies as the two countries face China’s growing assertiveness in trade and military activity in the Indo-Pacific.
—ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
Many Japanese, frustrated by China's growing assertiveness, welcomed her comments on Taiwan.
—Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026
Many Japanese, frustrated by China’s growing assertiveness, welcomed her comments on Taiwan.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
Many Japanese, frustrated by China’s growing assertiveness, welcomed her comments on Taiwan.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertiveness
Noun
-
The intensity of its light continues to grow as Rich and Abby Zawadzki lead the way in the circle.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2026
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The article explored the poignant sibling renaissance between Vuong and his younger brother Nicky after the death of their mother; the decade-wide gulf between their life experiences became less notable as the process of bereavement threw them together with great intensity.—
Sarah Moroz,
Literary Hub,
7 May 2026
Noun
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Embiid’s aggressiveness early — along with Tyrese Maxey’s speed and ability to put defenders in bad positions — put the Knicks in unfavorable foul trouble early.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
5 May 2026
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The team with the league’s highest payroll going down in the first round to a heavy underdog is bad for business, but Allen changed the entire dynamic with his defensive aggressiveness and rebounding.—
Jason Lloyd,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
That show, the 2022 Berlin Biennale, was celebrated in some corners for its emphasis on artists of the Global South.—
Alex Greenberger,
ARTnews.com,
8 May 2026
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Housing First, with its emphasis on permanent subsidies, is enormously expensive, and the lion’s share of the budget is consumed by a small minority of beneficiaries who have already been housed.—
Christopher Calton,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Assertiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertiveness. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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