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
Relevance
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of assertive
Liverpool want to evolve and become a more assertive, fast-attacking side once more.
—
Thom Harris, New York Times, 5 June 2026
Balsamic, for example, is going to be much more assertive and give the dressing a darker overall color.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 June 2026
Schumann says this could affect women more dramatically, as they are often already perceived as potentially less competent, powerful or assertive, especially in the workplace.
—Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
Japan is also increasing military spending as China grows more assertive in Asia’s waters, making claims to territory in the South China Sea and East China Sea.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for assertive
Thom Harris, New York Times, 5 June 2026
Balsamic, for example, is going to be much more assertive and give the dressing a darker overall color.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 June 2026
Schumann says this could affect women more dramatically, as they are often already perceived as potentially less competent, powerful or assertive, especially in the workplace.
—Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
Japan is also increasing military spending as China grows more assertive in Asia’s waters, making claims to territory in the South China Sea and East China Sea.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for assertive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertive
Adjective
-
That was a fun one, with both teams staying aggressive throughout the match.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
16 June 2026
-
That more aggressive posture has been exemplified in Lewis George's smaller jousts with the mayor over housing and public safety policies, too.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
None of these readings are so emphatic as to render the others immaterial, and the pervading ambivalence paired with a steady but creeping pace could turn off viewers who just want a good mystery to solve.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
12 June 2026
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On the left, an approach that Neem terms post-American has taken root, pushing the arguments of the 1970s in an ever more emphatic direction.—
Yoni Appelbaum,
The Atlantic,
8 June 2026
Adjective
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The competing dynamics in Michigan and Maine reflect a broader battle over the direction of the Democratic Party, with establishment leaders viewing more centrist candidates as electable while progressive activists push for more ideologically ambitious candidates.—
Rena Rowe,
The Washington Examiner,
13 June 2026
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Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ ambitious plan to invest billions of dollars in underserved neighborhoods by extending six of the city’s Tax Allocation Districts has inserted itself into the race for Fulton County Commission chair.—
Reed Williams,
AJC.com,
13 June 2026
Adjective
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Use a 10-gallon container filled with rich, moist soil for vigorous growth and continuous fruit production, and set it next to a pot of nasturtiums, which attract essential pollinators.—
Blythe Copeland,
Martha Stewart,
12 June 2026
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Seven decades later that number has climbed to seventy-three, while those in the richest nations have surpassed an average of over fourscore years, a number the Bible reserves for only the most vigorous among us.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
The scenes echoed earlier playoff celebrations, including a massive watch-party gathering of roughly 7,000 people in Bryant Park during Game 2 that turned violent and destructive, according to a law enforcement official.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
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Maclean’s work traffics in deep fakes and glitch aesthetics, rainbow cuteness and the tropes of pulp—but these are set against violent dystopias and a world of cruelties borne, especially, by women (see her 2018 video Make Me Up as an example).—
Eugenie Brinkema,
ARTnews.com,
14 June 2026
Adjective
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The mix of old and new aims to blend nostalgia with Miami’s new culinary identity, which has become far more dynamic since China Grill first opened on South Beach, Chodorow said.—
Connie Ogle
June 11,
Miami Herald,
11 June 2026
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But this sedan is geared for comfort and never feels confident in spirited, dynamic situations.—
Adam Ismail,
The Drive,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Assertive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertive. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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