unassertive

Definition of unassertivenext

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 unassertive This film, so seemingly unassertive, apparently rambling and plotless, has a devastating impact and aftershock. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026 Avoiding is unassertive and uncooperative, where an individual tends to give up on their own needs and acquiesce to the desires of others by disengaging from the situation altogether. — Ellen Choi, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 Shy and unassertive, she’s often been overlooked by others and kept to herself. — Yasmine Alsayyad, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2023 After a time, Patterson’s play-it-down-the-middle approach feels less like the remembrances of a Renaissance man and more like evasive, unassertive hedging. — Mark Athitakis, Washington Post, 6 June 2022 My own thoughts have been along the line of weak, unassertive, super humble and timid. — Glenna Christensen, idahostatesman, 14 June 2018 Meryl Streep stars as Post owner Katherine Graham, an unassertive socialite who normally follows the journalistic lead of her editor Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks, playing it too cute). — John Powers, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unassertive
Adjective
  • Others seemed meek, with downcast eyes that refused to meet the camera.
    — Anja Aronowsky Cronberg, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Moore plays Mona, a meek, thoroughly unseen wife and mother who impulsively decides to audition for a community theater musical despite having no experience.
    — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Different generations will get misty-eyed over various models Schwinn produced, from the humble safety bike to the Sting-Ray, which took its design cues from American muscle cars, to sleek race bikes such as the Paramount.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Obeying Christ, the soon-to-be disciples got a hands-on lesson in the power of deeper, more humble prayers rather than surface-level efforts.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Scheibenbogen reports that the kids who cut out social media entirely showed modest increases in mental well-being that started wearing off five weeks later.
    — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The Net Book Agreement allowed discounts only for schoolbooks and a modest consideration for public libraries (5 percent).
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Because, at this point, helping the Ukrainians achieve victory would cost relatively little, yet the West remains timid.
    — Dan Crenshaw, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Defense can’t be too timid, but there needs to be rational response to an asymmetric downside.
    — Bob Ackerman, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unassertive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unassertive. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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