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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of assertive
The pillow talk on Man’s Best Friend often takes the curt, assertive tone of a person reproaching a precocious pet.
—
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Behtiyar plays the assertive Aishe as a young woman unwilling to surrender her dignity or dwell on anguish.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025
At the core of Guardian Litigation Group is a team that’s assertive, creative, and unwavering attorneys who think outside the box to secure the best results, all while upholding the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and trust.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
Successive White House administrations have worked to boost strategic ties with India through technology transfers and joint military drills, working with the world’s largest democracy to counter an increasingly assertive China in the Indo-Pacific region.
—Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for assertive
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Behtiyar plays the assertive Aishe as a young woman unwilling to surrender her dignity or dwell on anguish.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025
At the core of Guardian Litigation Group is a team that’s assertive, creative, and unwavering attorneys who think outside the box to secure the best results, all while upholding the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and trust.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
Successive White House administrations have worked to boost strategic ties with India through technology transfers and joint military drills, working with the world’s largest democracy to counter an increasingly assertive China in the Indo-Pacific region.
—Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for assertive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertive
Adjective
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Now and in the future In the early days of the Bowman era, the Oilers appear to be more aggressive in looking for talent.—
Allan Mitchell,
New York Times,
14 Sep. 2025
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First, assume that classification will be litigated if the arrangement is aggressive or if the borrower is thinly capitalized.—
Virginia La Torre Jeker,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Driven by her smooth and emphatic playing, Spinal Tap comes close to losing its special lumpy Tap groove, its farcical Deep Purple mega-thump, and begins to sound disconcertingly like a proper band.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
12 Sep. 2025
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This fall, the trend toward emphatic celebration of Black creative achievement continues as The Gantt will immerse visitors in a rich tapestry of artistic expression and cultural reflection through three exhibitions.—
Amy Carleton,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This year’s most ambitious chefs laid themselves bare, their autobiographical storytelling shaping singular restaurants.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 Sep. 2025
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Scaling With Purpose The future for FIBI Vacation Rentals is ambitious but focused.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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However, this doesn’t mean that someone with strong justice cannot be angry or vigorous about addressing injustices.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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And some blue states have been more vigorous about gerrymandering.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The left is always, at all times and places, a violent phenomenon full of hatred.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
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Dinah Voyles Pulver, a national correspondent for USA TODAY, has written about hurricanes, tornadoes and violent weather for more than 30 years.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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It is blessed with a huge territory, a dynamic economy and the strategic luxury of large oceans on its east and west and much smaller powers to its north and south.—
John Rennie Short,
The Conversation,
11 Sep. 2025
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CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Assertive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertive. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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