1
as in aggressive
having or showing a bold forcefulness in the pursuit of a goal
some reef fish are assertive in defending their territory
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in emphatic
marked by or uttered with forcefulness
after months of assertive declarations that he would not run for president, he announced he was running
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of assertive
Eric Lach, New Yorker, 8 June 2025
Speaking in Singapore on Saturday, Hegseth said Washington will strengthen its overseas defenses in response to what the Pentagon views as rapidly escalating threats, particularly due to an increasingly assertive posture toward Taiwan.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
Teodoro, who has strongly echoed Marcos' criticisms of China's increasingly assertive actions in the South China Sea, will remain in his post, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin told a news conference.
—Arkansas Online, 30 May 2025
In the meantime, what’s notable is his eagerness to take on the former vice president, positioning himself as the most vocal and assertive of her potential gubernatorial rivals.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for assertive
Adjective
Lehrer and Louis are a natural double act, Louis’s assertive bluntness contrasting nicely with Lehrer’s dead-air calm.
—Eric Lach, New Yorker, 8 June 2025
Speaking in Singapore on Saturday, Hegseth said Washington will strengthen its overseas defenses in response to what the Pentagon views as rapidly escalating threats, particularly due to an increasingly assertive posture toward Taiwan.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
Teodoro, who has strongly echoed Marcos' criticisms of China's increasingly assertive actions in the South China Sea, will remain in his post, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin told a news conference.
—Arkansas Online, 30 May 2025
In the meantime, what’s notable is his eagerness to take on the former vice president, positioning himself as the most vocal and assertive of her potential gubernatorial rivals.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for assertive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertive
Adjective
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But the Cubs and Yankees will likely be much more aggressive in pursuing him than the Brewers will.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 June 2025
-
The tree has aggressive roots that can upend lawn turf and crack pavement.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
The San Francisco Giants answered any remaining questions about their hopes of contending this season with an emphatic move to bring in slugger Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
-
Sure, the No. 3 pick of the 2018 draft revived his formerly flailing career in an emphatic way last season, injecting himself into the MVP conversation while leading the Minnesota Vikings to the brink of the NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
Noun
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Known for his breakout role in Snowfall, Idris brings intensity, precision, and charisma to a performance that demanded serious physical training, emotional depth, and even some real-life time on the track.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
27 June 2025
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Rainfall of this intensity would only be expected around once in 100 years, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data.—
Brandon Miller,
CNN Money,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
Oh Ae-sun (played by K-pop superstar IU, who also portrays Ae-sun’s daughter Geum-myeong) is a poor but ambitious girl who grows up on South Korea’s Jeju Island in the 1950s and 1960s.—
Regina Kim,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
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This year’s edition, moreover, is more ambitious than ever.—
Essie Assibu,
Variety,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
This vine, while beautiful, is a vigorous grower that spreads by self-seeding, layering, and runners.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
-
No better example of this can be found than in the absence of debate in the contemporary U.S. about the treatment of the Palestinians by the Israelis, whatever outcome such vigorous discussion might produce.—
James L. Gibson,
The Conversation,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Swart said another giveaway is the hotel accommodations that are arranged for violent rioters.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
21 June 2025
-
Newsom and Trump have sparred over the California protests after the president federalized National Guard troops, arguing local officials were not doing enough to quell demonstrations that at times grew violent, though most protesters were peaceful.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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More than a global trade show, JCK is also a dynamic seminar site programmed with JCK Talks educational panel discussions and presentations delivered by experts from various jewelry industry realms-- and countries.—
Kyle Roderick,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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Our goal is to provide this safe, dynamic space for after-school socialization and group hangouts.—
American Booksellers Association,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
Noun
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Good judgment: Golf's emphasis on integrity – calling penalties on oneself, playing by the rules – builds the ethical foundation that guides responsible technology use.—
First Tee,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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With an emphasis on education, wellness, and cultural storytelling, the stage challenges stereotypes about African-American cuisine and reimagines its role in the global food and wine industry.—
Dominique Fluker,
Essence,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Assertive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertive. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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