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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Recent Examples of assertiveness
These female characters are just all in consistent assertiveness.
—
Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 19 May 2026
Women are penalized for the assertiveness that’s required to be a good negotiator.
—Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026
In both cases, Beijing has paired growing military capabilities with calibrated assertiveness, seeking to shift the balance of power through the steady normalization of Chinese pressure and presence, while carefully avoiding escalation.
—Yu Jie, Time, 13 May 2026
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
Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 19 May 2026
Women are penalized for the assertiveness that’s required to be a good negotiator.
—Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026
In both cases, Beijing has paired growing military capabilities with calibrated assertiveness, seeking to shift the balance of power through the steady normalization of Chinese pressure and presence, while carefully avoiding escalation.
—Yu Jie, Time, 13 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertiveness
Noun
-
Unfortunately, the researchers were unable to measure the intensity directly, but theoretical estimates suggest the team may have boosted the laser intensity to 10^23 W per cm2.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
14 May 2026
-
Though South Florida usually sees wildfire activity in May, the speed and intensity of fires have been exacerbated by the dry conditions.—
Megan Vaz,
Sun Sentinel,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Our offense has to be predicated on some of the aggressiveness on the bases.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
20 May 2026
-
As with The Second Act, which sent up cancel culture, there’s a slightly reactionary vibe in the way the script has Stewart’s Madeleine represent a distinctly millennial kind of passive-aggressiveness.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Finishing should be Nazar’s emphasis of improvement — that would help take pressure off Bedard.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2026
-
There's an emphasis on seafood here, with the popular Smoked Fish (chips n’ dip) as well as a few different raw items to choose from.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Assertiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertiveness. Accessed 27 May. 2026.
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