as in intensity
the quality or state of being forceful (as in expression)
the assertiveness with which he voices his opinions intimidates some people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example 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 assertiveness
Carney and Takaichi also agreed to launch bilateral dialogues on economic security and cyber policies as the two countries face China’s growing assertiveness in trade and military activity in the Indo-Pacific.
—
ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
Many Japanese, frustrated by China's growing assertiveness, welcomed her comments on Taiwan.
—Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026
Many Japanese, frustrated by China’s growing assertiveness, welcomed her comments on Taiwan.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
Many Japanese, frustrated by China’s growing assertiveness, welcomed her comments on Taiwan.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
What Research Says About Quiet Leaders Although corporate stereotypes often favor extroverted traits in leadership, like assertiveness, research challenges that assumption.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Oswald’s timid Ludie is gentle, sad and almost childlike in his lack of assertiveness toward his wife.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Advertisement The question is whether assertiveness in America’s backyard is mirrored by a cooling of interest elsewhere.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
The rookie big has earned minutes through defensive positioning, ball movement, and feel, but Fernández said the next step is assertiveness, especially as a shooter.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 1 Jan. 2026
ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
Many Japanese, frustrated by China's growing assertiveness, welcomed her comments on Taiwan.
—Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026
Many Japanese, frustrated by China’s growing assertiveness, welcomed her comments on Taiwan.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
Many Japanese, frustrated by China’s growing assertiveness, welcomed her comments on Taiwan.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
What Research Says About Quiet Leaders Although corporate stereotypes often favor extroverted traits in leadership, like assertiveness, research challenges that assumption.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Oswald’s timid Ludie is gentle, sad and almost childlike in his lack of assertiveness toward his wife.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Advertisement The question is whether assertiveness in America’s backyard is mirrored by a cooling of interest elsewhere.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
The rookie big has earned minutes through defensive positioning, ball movement, and feel, but Fernández said the next step is assertiveness, especially as a shooter.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 1 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertiveness
Noun
-
Scientists see the high-intensity burn scar as key to the future of the planet’s largest tree.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Mirae’s cocktails are the center of bar manager Orestes Cruz’s beverage program, with a nice range of flavor profiles and intensity levels.—
Henri Hollis,
AJC.com,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Collins said the coaching staff looked at first-half film and thought the Wildcats’ hand activity and aggressiveness on defense were off.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The rest of the game passed by without any noticeable uptick in aggressiveness from the Leafs.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Cinematographer Ben Goodman straddles the line between both with sharp lensing that places particular emphasis on overhead shots, underlining Caplan’s horizontal helplessness.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The Madison has extensive strains of DNA from Redford’s adaptation of The Horse Whisperer, with its emphasis on a rural escape as the ultimate salve for psychic wounds, but also Ordinary People, a film about the impact of grief on the family unit.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Assertiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertiveness. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
