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
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertiveness
Noun
-
The first meeting of the season between the NBA champions and a Knicks team that fell two wins short of facing them in the NBA Finals had a high level of intensity.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
-
The plan drops long-standing energy intensity targets, reflecting a shift toward measuring climate progress based directly on emissions.—
Natasha Bracken,
semafor.com,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Jokic became wrapped up in how it was officiated throughout the night, letting Utah’s aggressiveness get to him at times instead of playing through it and imposing his own physicality.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
3 Mar. 2026
-
In the final, Nidelea-Polanin mounted a tactically sharp and defensive-oriented approach that nullified the usual aggressiveness of Gochis.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There was an emphasis to utilize his slurve and four-seam fastball.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The emphasis is on working with preferred American insurance partners.—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Assertiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertiveness. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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