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
Many leaders with this profile excel at building donor relationships but struggle to close—often because the moment’s assertiveness runs against their natural grain.
—
Patrick Jinks, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
For now, Lebanon’s leaders have tried to press Hezbollah to lay down its arms with new assertiveness while insisting that the state will not be dragged into an internal war to impose it.
—Euan Ward, New Yorker, 29 May 2026
These female characters are just all in consistent assertiveness.
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 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
Patrick Jinks, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
For now, Lebanon’s leaders have tried to press Hezbollah to lay down its arms with new assertiveness while insisting that the state will not be dragged into an internal war to impose it.
—Euan Ward, New Yorker, 29 May 2026
These female characters are just all in consistent assertiveness.
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertiveness
Noun
-
Made from moisture-wicking fabric, this workout tank naturally repels sweat to keep you cool during high-intensity workouts and outdoor activities.—
Emily Weaver,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
-
But the sheer scale of the investigation, the months of manpower, the extensive surveillance, the digital forensics, the interagency coordination, the prosecutorial intensity, reveals something else as well, that our justice system does not operate on a single track.—
Letters to the Editor,
Hartford Courant,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Cole took advantage of the Rays’ aggressiveness, ramping up his off-speed usage the second time through the order.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
23 May 2026
-
While an immediate trade is unlikely, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has shown early aggressiveness before.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
While Ng might be the CEO and creative director, the label likes to describe itself as a creative studio that has a collective atmosphere with an emphasis on going against the grain and diving into a wide array of topics.—
Diana Tsui,
Footwear News,
30 May 2026
-
Our focus at Radiant Dental Arts is high-quality, personalized dentistry with an emphasis onhonesty, comfort, and patient experience.—
Del Mar Times,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Assertiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertiveness. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
