assertive

adjective

ə-ˈsər-tiv How to pronounce assertive (audio)
Definition of assertivenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective assertive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of assertive are aggressive, militant, and self-assertive. While all these words mean "obtrusively energetic especially in pursuing particular goals," assertive suggests bold self-confidence in expression of opinion.

the more assertive speakers dominated the forum

When is it sensible to use aggressive instead of assertive?

While the synonyms aggressive and assertive are close in meaning, aggressive implies a disposition to dominate often in disregard of others' rights or in determined and energetic pursuit of one's ends.

aggressive in his business dealings

When is militant a more appropriate choice than assertive?

The meanings of militant and assertive largely overlap; however, militant also implies a fighting disposition but suggests not self-seeking but devotion to a cause, movement, or principle.

militant protesters rallied against the new law

In what contexts can self-assertive take the place of assertive?

While in some cases nearly identical to assertive, self-assertive connotes forwardness or brash self-confidence.

a self-assertive young upstart

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 assertive The iPhone 16 available on the site in all five colors: white, pink, black or the two standout colors, teal, which is a gently assertive shade that still manages to be relaxed and pastel, and ultramarine, which is eye-poppingly bright and attractive. —David Phelan, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025 Their concern was that a more assertive Germany would reawaken old fears about German militarism. —Mark I. Vail, The Conversation, 16 May 2025 Android 16 expands on the assertive fraud detection shown off at I/O last year and rolled out this winter. —Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 14 May 2025 Still in its youth, this assertive, meaty wine reveals many layers of interest. —Laura Ness, Mercury News, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for assertive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertive
  1. aggressive
  2. emphatic
  3. ambitious
  4. vigorous
  5. violent
  6. dynamic
Adjective
  • Addressing the Obvious Critiques Yes, 3–4% real growth is aggressive.
    — Don Muir, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • After the aggressive animal showed no signs of leaving, the woman’s boyfriend fatally shot it, officials said.
    — Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2025
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • When asked if the current staffing shortages would affect the accuracy of storm forecast models, Graham was emphatic.
    — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
  • The lasting image from that series was Roy Hibbert’s emphatic block on Carmelo Anthony with 5:03 left in Game 6.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 19 May 2025
Definition of emphatic
Adjective
  • Musk has seemingly pushed back the deadline for the $1 trillion in savings, as the billionaire Tesla chief said in March the ambitious cuts would be completed in roughly two months.
    — Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • The stricken destroyer was the country’s newest warship and was meant to be a triumph of North Korea’s ambitious naval modernization effort.
    — Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
Definition of ambitious
Adjective
  • That piece, and the book that would follow, has become a staple of environmental humanities classes for decades and still stirs vigorous classroom debate today.
    — Daegan Miller June 5, Literary Hub, 5 June 2025
  • Media reports that Saudi Arabia will lift its decades-old ban on alcohol in select tourist zones have prompted the flare-up of a vigorous online debate in the conservative kingdom, with some voices in support and others in strong opposition.
    — Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
Definition of vigorous
Adjective
  • This sweeping action included both nonviolent participants and those convicted of violent crimes against law enforcement.
    — Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
  • The prosecution appears poised to use Combs' feud with Knight, as well as another series of encounters with rapper Kid Cudi, as demonstrative of a violent streak.
    — Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 28 May 2025
Definition of violent
Adjective
  • However, Sanders provides an additional dynamic weapon for QB Bryce Young to target in the passing game.
    — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2025
  • Preview footage for the update shows the game running above 1080p, up from a dynamic 1080p on Switch 1, at a locked 60fps, more than double what was possible with the game on the Switch.
    — Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Definition of dynamic

Browse Nearby Words

assertions
assertive
assertively
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Cite this Entry

“Assertive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertive. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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