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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of assertive
The shift may not only draw anger from Israel's emboldened far right but also aggravate divisions within Trump's own administration between an old conservative guard seeking a more assertive posture on Iran and the rising cadre of Trump loyalists who more closely share the president's vision.
—
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
The comments by Alexander Stubb came as France was set to host a meeting to help firm up Europe's answer to assertive American diplomacy.
—Emma Burrows, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Feb. 2025
Akerman’s lovers are neither shy nor flamboyant but outwardly, practically assertive about the inner drives of their passions.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 Feb. 2025
The palate is full-bodied with dark chocolate, brown sugar, and an assertive black pepper and cinnamon spice profile.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for assertive
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
The comments by Alexander Stubb came as France was set to host a meeting to help firm up Europe's answer to assertive American diplomacy.
—Emma Burrows, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Feb. 2025
Akerman’s lovers are neither shy nor flamboyant but outwardly, practically assertive about the inner drives of their passions.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 Feb. 2025
The palate is full-bodied with dark chocolate, brown sugar, and an assertive black pepper and cinnamon spice profile.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for assertive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertive
Adjective
-
New numbers show 52% of detainees were originally arrested by ICE compared to 48% first apprehended by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), signaling how aggressive the Trump administration is turning toward the interior of the nation for immigration enforcement.—
Russell Contreras,
Axios,
28 Feb. 2025
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With her outfit switched up to a leather bustier and hot pants combo, Lizzo enjoys being the center off attention until her high starts to turn and the once-friendly dancers get aggressive, things get a bit blurry and the faces around her get zombie-fied.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The answer to that question should be an emphatic 'No,' but a majority of this Court apparently thinks otherwise.—
Russel Honoré,
Newsweek,
5 Mar. 2025
-
The answer to that question should be an emphatic 'No,' but a majority of this court apparently thinks otherwise.—
Nina Totenberg,
NPR,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
At an ambitious 95 minutes, Ghost Boy tends to lag in places, but both director and narrator are aware of their story’s potential to get stuck in a groove, and both are there to pick up the slack whenever it’s needed.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
8 Mar. 2025
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With an extra hour of light, residents in Southern California can go horseback riding in Catalina, hiking ambitious trails or biking along L.A.’s coast.—
Kevinisha Walker,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Timing for Fertilizing Roses Healthy repeat-blooming roses require nearly year-round feeding from early spring to fall to remain vigorous and resist diseases.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
2 Mar. 2025
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All have attractive foliage and most are vigorous spreaders, so keep that in mind when selecting a planting site.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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That career has been highlighted by some of the most violent fights in MMA history.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
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While confronting their violent history, a brutal bar fight and deadly feud reignites between Thomas, Ben, and the notorious Five Points Gang.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
As models learn and adapt, their underlying parameters shift, requiring a dynamic approach to inference serving.—
Suvarna Krishnan,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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On the shores of the Atlantic, the region birthed the dynamic Gullah culture and communities of Black fisherfolk who gave America shrimp and grits, crab rice, she-crab soup, and the one-pot wonder Hoppin’ John.—
Cynthia R. Greenlee,
Bon Appétit,
28 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Assertive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertive. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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