as in intensity
the quality or state of being forceful (as in expression)
the assertiveness with which he voices his opinions intimidates some people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 assertiveness
What Research Says About Quiet Leaders Although corporate stereotypes often favor extroverted traits in leadership, like assertiveness, research challenges that assumption.
—
Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Oswald’s timid Ludie is gentle, sad and almost childlike in his lack of assertiveness toward his wife.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Advertisement The question is whether assertiveness in America’s backyard is mirrored by a cooling of interest elsewhere.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
The rookie big has earned minutes through defensive positioning, ball movement, and feel, but Fernández said the next step is assertiveness, especially as a shooter.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 1 Jan. 2026
And if Democrats win one or both chambers of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, the checks on the president would likely revert to historical norms—perhaps even returning to the congressional assertiveness of the immediate post-Watergate era.
—Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025
But any agreement reached will be just one touchstone in a thorny and volatile great power rivalry between the world’s superpower democracy and an authoritarian China, whose growing military assertiveness under Xi in the East and South China Seas is rattling US allies in the region.
—Betsy Klein, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
Murray’s blend of assertiveness and steadiness, of style and substance, has been a defining trait behind that start.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 28 Oct. 2025
Living with Israel’s military assertiveness Israel, the unquestioned military power and sole nuclear weapons state in the region, has long posed particularly deep political dilemmas to Gulf Arab states.
—David Mednicoff, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025
Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Oswald’s timid Ludie is gentle, sad and almost childlike in his lack of assertiveness toward his wife.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Advertisement The question is whether assertiveness in America’s backyard is mirrored by a cooling of interest elsewhere.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
The rookie big has earned minutes through defensive positioning, ball movement, and feel, but Fernández said the next step is assertiveness, especially as a shooter.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 1 Jan. 2026
And if Democrats win one or both chambers of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, the checks on the president would likely revert to historical norms—perhaps even returning to the congressional assertiveness of the immediate post-Watergate era.
—Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025
But any agreement reached will be just one touchstone in a thorny and volatile great power rivalry between the world’s superpower democracy and an authoritarian China, whose growing military assertiveness under Xi in the East and South China Seas is rattling US allies in the region.
—Betsy Klein, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
Murray’s blend of assertiveness and steadiness, of style and substance, has been a defining trait behind that start.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 28 Oct. 2025
Living with Israel’s military assertiveness Israel, the unquestioned military power and sole nuclear weapons state in the region, has long posed particularly deep political dilemmas to Gulf Arab states.
—David Mednicoff, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertiveness
Noun
-
Snow will likely begin by about midnight Sunday morning and then continue through the whole day Sunday, increasing in intensity later in the day as the low strengthens off the coast.—
Bill Kelly,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
-
They’re designed for higher intensity workouts like road running, so they’re optimized with airy cushioning to absorb impact around your heels, the balls of your feet, your ankles, and knees.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
And the first half was a virtuoso blend of aggressiveness and controlling tempo from Payton, as Nix had a couple of deep shots to Marvin Mims and Lil'Jordan Humphrey, but also controlled the game with his legs.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
18 Jan. 2026
-
The 2026 version of the San Diego Mojo is built on a blend of toughness and aggressiveness that shines through with a relentless defense that extends rallies and attempts to frustrate the offense on the other side of the net.—
Tim Meehan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Part of the recent emphasis on UCLA’s defense has meant a slower pace on offense to minimize opponents’ possessions.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Similarly, the emphasis on independence and nonconformity reflects what psychologists call autonomy orientation.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Assertiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertiveness. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
