self-assertive

adjective

ˌself-ə-ˈsər-tiv How to pronounce self-assertive (audio)
Definition of self-assertivenext
1
as in aggressive
having or showing a bold forcefulness in the pursuit of a goal we need to hire self-assertive salespeople who don't require constant supervision

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude after the interview, we chose a less self-assertive and more self-effacing applicant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective self-assertive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of self-assertive are aggressive, assertive, and militant. While all these words mean "obtrusively energetic especially in pursuing particular goals," self-assertive connotes forwardness or brash self-confidence.

a self-assertive young upstart

When would aggressive be a good substitute for self-assertive?

The words aggressive and self-assertive can be used in similar contexts, but aggressive implies a disposition to dominate often in disregard of others' rights or in determined and energetic pursuit of one's ends.

aggressive in his business dealings

When could assertive be used to replace self-assertive?

In some situations, the words assertive and self-assertive are roughly equivalent. However, assertive suggests bold self-confidence in expression of opinion.

the more assertive speakers dominated the forum

When is it sensible to use militant instead of self-assertive?

The synonyms militant and self-assertive are sometimes interchangeable, but militant also implies a fighting disposition but suggests not self-seeking but devotion to a cause, movement, or principle.

militant protesters rallied against the new law

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 self-assertive The only really odious members of the party will, of course, be those termed the Young, who are almost certain to prove fast, rude, and self-assertive. —Nancy Mitford, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-assertive
  1. aggressive
  2. arrogant
  3. ambitious
  4. fierce
Adjective
  • Sadly, Minx was soon diagnosed with an aggressive cancer.
    — Staff Author, People.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
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • Christopher McDonald plays Happy’s comically villainous, arrogant rival Shooter McGavin, maestro of the finger guns.
    — Skyler Trepel, EW.com, 25 July 2025
  • In addition to Sandler, the 2025 film also sees the return of several familiar faces, including Julie Bowen as Happy’s love interest, Virginia Venit; Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, Happy’s arrogant nemesis; and Ben Stiller as Hal L., the orderly from Happy’s grandmother’s nursing home.
    — Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of arrogant
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
  • 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
Definition of ambitious
Adjective
  • He’s also ruled out the Chinese mainland due to fierce competition, entrenched EV incumbents, and a power grid so advanced that ultra-fast charging is widely available—making battery swapping largely unnecessary.
    — Clay Chandler, Fortune, 19 July 2025
  • The two have one of the fiercest rivals in college football known as the Iron Bowl.
    — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Definition of fierce

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self-assertion
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Cite this Entry

“Self-assertive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-assertive. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

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