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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of assertiveness
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertiveness
Noun
-
Several hundred meters away, at the Cheonggyecheon stream, levels still hovered between 70 and 80 decibels—the intensity of a busy street or a vacuum cleaner.—
Yook JiHun,
Popular Science,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Redick shouted out Bronny James for his efforts against Indiana after the game, lauding his defensive intensity – often being switched onto Pacers All-Star forward Pascal Siakam, and holding his own – along with a late mid-range jumper that quelled concerns of a once-improbable Indiana comeback.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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And though some executives have noted his methodical approach can be difficult when making deals, others have praised his overall aggressiveness.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
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Still, Bridges insists aggressiveness is not the issue.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Along with the staff changes and reshuffles, station owner Saul Levine says to expect more classic country within the broadcast day, focusing on the ‘90s and ‘00s, with an extra emphasis on female artists that Levine feels don’t get enough respect.—
Richard Wagoner,
Daily News,
28 Mar. 2026
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Today’s popular tablescape often resembles an expensive country retreat, with an emphasis on rustic materials like stoneware and hand-turned wood.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Assertiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertiveness. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
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