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
Mediterranea takes that knack for quiet assertiveness to new heights.
—
Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 14 June 2026
Research on gender stereotypes has consistently found that ambition, assertiveness, and competitiveness are viewed differently depending on who displays them.
—Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
But as public opinion sours, Congress has signaled more assertiveness in limiting the president.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 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
Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 14 June 2026
Research on gender stereotypes has consistently found that ambition, assertiveness, and competitiveness are viewed differently depending on who displays them.
—Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
But as public opinion sours, Congress has signaled more assertiveness in limiting the president.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertiveness
Noun
-
Ancelotti pointed out that a number of underdogs at this year’s World Cup have been showing great intensity.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
19 June 2026
-
Two standoffs end without suspect in custody After two standoffs — one Tuesday and another overnight into Wednesday morning — police have come up empty, and the intensity of the search is rising.—
Laura Bauer
June 18,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Yet signs of pressing persist as the Padres steer solutions toward aggressiveness on the basepaths.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
-
The aggressiveness was needed on a night Spurs head coach directed players to pick Brunson up full-court after San Antonio makes.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
The Kansas City Democrat has placed an emphasis on the district in Congress, and helped funnel federal money for revitalization projects.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2026
-
That debate has sharpened after the Fifth Circuit’s decision in Sirius Solutions, which rejected the IRS’s emphasis on a taxpayer’s active participation and instead focused on the statute and the legal characteristics of limited partner status, including liability protection.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Assertiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertiveness. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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