ASSERTIVENESS Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

assertiveness

noun

Definition of assertiveness

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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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 Organizations tend to notice people who project assertiveness. — Harvard Business Review, 28 Sep. 2026 Under its five-year plan established in 2022, the country has doubled its defense spending to about 2% of its gross domestic product to build up its Self-Defense Forces’ offensive role to counter China’s growing assertiveness. — ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026 Under its five-year defense strategy set in 2022, Japan has doubled its defense spending to about 2% of its gross domestic product to build up its Self-Defense Forces’ offensive role to counter China’s growing assertiveness. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 Japan will seek to build more drones and missiles as part of a record defense spend of more than $55 billion next year, amid growing concerns over China’s military assertiveness. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Mars, planet of action and assertiveness, enters Cancer today. — Usa Today, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 On pizza, though, that assertiveness will meld nicely with the crust below. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Aug. 2026 When speaking in her unmistakable throaty voice, her expressive body language (hand movements often complement her sentences) reveals her assertiveness. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 But the Saudis too have shown greater assertiveness in their conduct of airstrikes, which could add to regional escalatory dynamics. — Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertiveness

Noun

The intensity of their yearning has only increased on their second album, Nature’s Pill—and that’s no easy feat, considering this is a band whose breakout track opens with the narrator prostrating himself before the object of his affection.

— Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026
But Whalefall is no match for the earlier film’s suspense and intensity.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of intensity

Noun

That formula feels even more relevant today, and what makes the T especially compelling is that its emphasis on driver engagement does not come at the cost of day-to-day livability.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
Atlas build efficiency The emphasis on manufacturing efficiency extends to the design of Atlas itself.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of emphasis

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assertively

assertiveness

asserts

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“Assertiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertiveness. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of assertiveness

noun

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