ASSERTIVE Synonyms: 152 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

assertive

adjective

ə-ˈsər-tiv

Definition of assertive next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 Beijing has become more assertive in its home region, using the military to press its claims in the South China Sea and intimidate Taiwan – a self-governing democracy that China’s ruling Communist Party has vowed to take, by force if necessary. —

Edward Szekeres and Brad Lendon, CNN, 1 Nov. 2024 Biden's team — responding to the president's wishes — recently has become more assertive. —

Alex Thompson, Axios, 27 Oct. 2024 So the color and flavor of this Mundial reposado is darker and more assertive than the regular expression, which makes sense given that timing—the wood is more reactive having been used to age whiskey for much less time prior to aging the tequila. —

Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2024 So what exactly is the United States doing now to advance a diplomatic initiative? KIRBY: We have been involved in extensive and quite assertive diplomacy. —

ABC News, 22 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for assertive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertive

Adjective

In recent months, U.S., British, German and other European officials have accused Russia of organizing an increasingly aggressive sabotage campaign aimed at undermining and disrupting Western assistance to Ukraine.

Tom Costello, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2024
Throughout the election season, Republicans and Democrats viewed Arizona's 11 electoral college votes as up for grabs, which meant both parties did aggressive campaigning throughout the state and both Trump and Harris visited on multiple occasions.

Stephanie Innes, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024