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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of assertive
Its importance to the U.S. is only growing as China becomes more assertive, particularly regarding Taiwan.
—
Audrey McAvoy, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
That’s because this whiskey is super oaky and bold, the cask finishes are assertive, and the proof often skyrockets to near hazmat levels.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 2 July 2025
But a pitcher who has a knack for making outings feel like assertive statements stamped his name as forcefully as ever in a 3-0 Tigers victory over the Twins.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 30 June 2025
Balsamic, for example, is going to be much more assertive and give the dressing a darker overall color.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for assertive
Audrey McAvoy, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
That’s because this whiskey is super oaky and bold, the cask finishes are assertive, and the proof often skyrockets to near hazmat levels.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 2 July 2025
But a pitcher who has a knack for making outings feel like assertive statements stamped his name as forcefully as ever in a 3-0 Tigers victory over the Twins.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 30 June 2025
Balsamic, for example, is going to be much more assertive and give the dressing a darker overall color.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for assertive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertive
Adjective
-
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
-
An aggressive hitter, Naylor can get extremely hot, and carry a team with drives to the gap or bombs over the fence.—
Bernie Pleskoff,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
The 27-year-old has an emphatic game, which should play well in front of a crowd that figures to be favoring the hometown star.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
16 July 2025
-
The emphatic victory over Juventus means City topped its Club World Cup group with three wins from three games and will face Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia in the last 16 on Tuesday in Orlando.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Rice University, a private Tier 1 research institution in Houston, is launching an ambitious plan to grow student enrollment and financial aid, as part of a strategic expansion approved by the school's board of trustees to focus on opportunity and academic excellence, officials announced Monday.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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Major casualties included a pioneering Tex-Mex spot in Clifton, a beloved Hungarian restaurant in Union Township and two ambitious Northern Kentucky restaurants that were less than two years old.—
Keith Pandolfi,
The Enquirer,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
During a vigorous cross examination, prosecutors parsed through his story, questioning him on his history with police officers.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
18 July 2025
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Adults should engage in 150 minutes of moderate physical activity — like walking, dancing or gardening — or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week, Makarem added.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
16 July 2025
Adjective
-
The two got married, had a baby, and started a quiet life together far away from his violent past.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
14 July 2025
-
As droves of tourists continue to flock to Spain for European summer vacations, the nation’s emergency responders are dealing with the aftermath of a violent wave of flash flooding in nearly half of the country’s 50 provinces.—
Opheli Garcia Lawler,
Travel + Leisure,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
This dynamic annual production highlights the athleticism and artistry of ballet, providing a unique opportunity to see Louisville Ballet's talented artists present a series of thrilling new pieces.—
Maggie Menderski,
The Courier-Journal,
22 July 2025
-
These shades help the warm, woven material stand out, creating a dynamic interplay that feels fresh yet grounded.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Assertive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertive. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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