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
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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
as in intensity
the quality or state of being forceful (as in expression)
the assertiveness with which he voices his opinions intimidates some people
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of assertive
K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
Carl Nagle Carl Nagle and his distinguished team at Nagle & Associates, P.A., based in North Carolina, are highly focused legal advocates, delivering incisive expertise and assertive advocacy for North Carolina motor vehicle accident victims.
—William Jones, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
Bulls fans have seen this movie plenty of times before — an assertive start to take a first-half lead followed by a midgame collapse that squandered an entire advantage.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
As for what the wares shown on designers’ runways in The City of Light suggested: lean into the weird, assertive, and arty—sexiness be damned!
—Julian Randall, Essence, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for assertive
Adjective
Anker Speaker Deals Here's an assertive Bluetooth speaker from Anker that's a little bigger than some of the others on this list, but earns its size with potent bass-forward sound and a massive battery that'll last up to a full day of use.
—K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
Carl Nagle Carl Nagle and his distinguished team at Nagle & Associates, P.A., based in North Carolina, are highly focused legal advocates, delivering incisive expertise and assertive advocacy for North Carolina motor vehicle accident victims.
—William Jones, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
Bulls fans have seen this movie plenty of times before — an assertive start to take a first-half lead followed by a midgame collapse that squandered an entire advantage.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
As for what the wares shown on designers’ runways in The City of Light suggested: lean into the weird, assertive, and arty—sexiness be damned!
—Julian Randall, Essence, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for assertive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertive
Adjective
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Young has struggled against the Heat’s aggressive defense in recent years.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
17 Apr. 2025
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The prison has become a symbol of Bukele's aggressive policies that have targeted gang violence.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The Mavericks, on the other hand, are coming off an emphatic road win over the Kings.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
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Catcher Rob Brantly fielded Josh Bell’s dribbler, stepped on home plate and fired the ball to first, ending the threat and eliciting an emphatic fist pump from Quantrill.—
Steve Gorten,
Miami Herald,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Kp index — which provides a rough guide to the intensity of aurora displays — may reach 6, which will see the auroral oval stretch farther south.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
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Within a few years, the intensity and demands of their big lives and careers brought new pressure — and problems for the couple.—
Liz McNeil,
People.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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By December 2023, the private equity firm had taken a majority stake in the British business and set an ambitious expansion plan; targeting 350 outlets by 2031.—
Kevin Rozario,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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Expanding Capacity, Restoring Traditions The fellows have ambitious plans for their funding.—
Melissa Noel,
Essence,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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One study showed that a maximum reduction in mortality could result from 150 to 300 minutes per week of vigorous activity, 300 to 600 minutes per week of moderate physical activity, or a combination of these.2 2.—
Amy Kwan,
Verywell Health,
16 Apr. 2025
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Advocates of vigorous government oversight look upon the concept of federal preemption as a tool of deregulation.—
Glenn G. Lammi,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The ads target the state House Democrats over taxes and violent crime, as well as women’s and girl’s safety.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
22 Apr. 2025
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Angry Birds: Climate Change and Avian Migration Olivia Box April 3, 2022 Temperature fluctuations throughout the years are affecting bird migration and mating, with sometimes violent results.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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His mother, her mental health, brothers, that family dynamic.—
H. Alan Scott,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
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Static metrics in a dynamic world are like old maps for new continents.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Washington said classes are broken into separate days, with emphasis on different muscle groups throughout the week.—
Marcus D. Smith,
Sacbee.com,
21 Apr. 2025
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One of the ways this adaptation distinguishes itself is through its emphasis on youth.—
Abigail Lee,
Variety,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Assertive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertive. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.
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