self-assertive

adjective

ˌself-ə-ˈsər-tiv How to pronounce self-assertive (audio)
Definition of self-assertivenext
1
as in aggressive
having or showing a bold forcefulness in the pursuit of a goal we need to hire self-assertive salespeople who don't require constant supervision

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude after the interview, we chose a less self-assertive and more self-effacing applicant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective self-assertive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of self-assertive are aggressive, assertive, and militant. While all these words mean "obtrusively energetic especially in pursuing particular goals," self-assertive connotes forwardness or brash self-confidence.

a self-assertive young upstart

When would aggressive be a good substitute for self-assertive?

The words aggressive and self-assertive can be used in similar contexts, but 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 could assertive be used to replace self-assertive?

In some situations, the words assertive and self-assertive are roughly equivalent. However, assertive suggests bold self-confidence in expression of opinion.

the more assertive speakers dominated the forum

When is it sensible to use militant instead of self-assertive?

The synonyms militant and self-assertive are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

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 self-assertive The only really odious members of the party will, of course, be those termed the Young, who are almost certain to prove fast, rude, and self-assertive. —Nancy Mitford, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-assertive
  1. aggressive
  2. arrogant
  3. ambitious
  4. fierce
Adjective
  • Being too aggressive with your use of ice can damage your skin.
    — Sherri Gordon, Health, 22 July 2025
  • Chantel’s aggressive, no-nonsense delivery clashed with Jackie’s passive-deflective tone, turning what could’ve been a breakthrough into yet another blow-up.
    — Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • As the day goes on, Jim goes from a caricature of an arrogant male director to an oddly compelling picture of a pathetic man, moved by spite toward his ex-wife, Anita.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 July 2025
  • Actor Tyler Hilton played Chris Keller, a charming but arrogant musician, on four seasons of the teen soap.
    — Bryan West, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Definition of arrogant
Adjective
  • These are the most ambitious headphones Skullcandy has ever released.
    — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Matthew Tostevin What To Know The Line, the most ambitious piece of Neom, was unveiled as a pair of parallel 500-meter-tall skyscrapers stretching through the desert.
    — Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Definition of ambitious
Adjective
  • The two have one of the fiercest rivals in college football known as the Iron Bowl.
    — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 19 July 2025
  • He’s also ruled out the Chinese mainland due to fierce competition, entrenched EV incumbents, and a power grid so advanced that ultra-fast charging is widely available—making battery swapping largely unnecessary.
    — Clay Chandler, Fortune, 19 July 2025
Definition of fierce

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Cite this Entry

“Self-assertive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-assertive. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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