assertion

noun

as·​ser·​tion ə-ˈsər-shən 

a-

: the act of asserting or something that is asserted: such as

a

: insistent and positive affirming, maintaining, or defending (as of a right or attribute)

an assertion of ownership/innocence

b

: a declaration that something is the case

He presented no evidence to support his assertions.

Synonyms

• affirmation
• asseveration
• avouchment
• avowal
• claim
• declaration
• insistence
• profession
• protestation

Examples of assertion in a Sentence

the assertion that all men have certain unalienable rights is set forth in the Declaration of Independence

made the unlikely assertion that gravity affects light

Recent Examples on the Web

But, characteristic of Schliemann’s assertions, there was little hard evidence to back up his sweeping claims. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025

Washington is in a tizzy over Donald Trump's sweeping assertions of executive power, often at the behest of Elon Musk, an influential private citizen who decidedly lacks public office. —Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025

At the time, Democrat senators pushed back against the assertion. —Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 31 Mar. 2025

Cracks In The Narrative Of Trump’s 2025 Immigration Policy Central to Trump’s immigration superlative rhetoric is the assertion that undocumented immigrants pose a unique criminal threat. —Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see assert

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing assertion

• self-assertion

Rhymes for assertion

• cistercian
• coercion
• desertion
• exertion
• insertion
• mercian
• overexertion
• reassertion

Kids Definition

assertion

noun

as·​ser·​tion ə-ˈsər-shən 

a-

: the act of asserting

also : something asserted : declaration