self-asserting

adjective

ˌself-ə-ˈsər-tiŋ How to pronounce self-asserting (audio)
Definition of self-assertingnext
1
as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude a bunch of self-asserting upstarts who thought that they could buy their way into high society

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in confident
having or showing great faith in oneself or one's abilities it takes a rather self-asserting person to start a business at such a young age

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in aggressive
having or showing a bold forcefulness in the pursuit of a goal just the kind of cocky, self-asserting person that you'd expect a sports agent to be

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-asserting
  1. arrogant
  2. confident
  3. aggressive
  4. optimistic
  5. ambitious
Adjective
  • Using an acronym meant for minor zoning squabbles against resistance to a massive, 80 mph express train slicing through dense residential blocks is an arrogant posture that completely obscures the true nature of this unconscionable project.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Steve Buscemi as Harry’s regular fence; Tatiana Maslany as his estranged daughter; and Will Price as the arrogant, heat-packing scion of a Manhattan crime family also star.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of arrogant
Adjective
  • His bold, confident display of desire stood in sharp contrast to my own insecurities and repression.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Across Europe, responsibility for retirement is shifting from governments and employers to individuals, and women are less confident than men that the state will provide.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of confident
Adjective
  • Environmentalists flex considerable muscle in the state and found an ally in Newsom, though the outgoing governor’s aggressive climate agenda ran into affordability and federal challenges in recent years.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • And definitely the lyrics are a lot more aggressive from Roger.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • Robert Hughson is feeling optimistic that the river that's formed in front of his house will go away.
    — Chelsea Jones, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • This year looks especially optimistic for the wardrobe essential, as people are preferring whimsical motifs, colors, and cuts over a simple crewneck or cardigan.
    — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of optimistic
Adjective
  • Recent acquisitions include Richards River Camp in the Mara North Conservancy and a collection of properties in Rwanda, signaling ambitious growth beyond Kenya's borders.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Alongside such ambitious, long-term thinking, Biggs also needs to adopt an urgent, immediate approach to paying CPS’ bills right now.
    — David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of ambitious
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.

Browse Nearby Words

self-applause
self-asserting
self-assertion
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Cite this Entry

“Self-asserting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-asserting. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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