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
  • Howard recruited Winkler to star in his 1982 comedy Night Shift, as a meek morgue worker whose life is radicalized by a new hire played by Michael Keaton.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Closer to home, Liverpool have shown the pitfalls of an expensive facelift, splurging record sums on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak last summer only to free-fall from champions to a meek fifth-place finish.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In a statement posted on social media, Obama highlighted Parton’s humble roots, colossal impact in music and Hollywood, and her philanthropic work.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
  • In her songs, stage banter and interviews, Parton always presented herself as a humble, yet audacious mountain dreamer made good.
    Jewly Hight, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The White House has eagerly taken credit for the modest rebound in manufacturing jobs this year, with some 31,000 new positions added since January.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The trial found similar benefits to those observed by Snyder’s team; these included heightened libido and a modest improvement to mood.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Conversely, timid or softened feedback delivered to struggling employees creates a false sense of security, signaling that there is no urgency to adjust course.
    Luciana Paulise, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Knight was timid, and his interview was practiced, Becker said.
    CBS News, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unassertive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unassertive. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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