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
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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
Be assertive in helping leaders hone their emotional intelligence, and ground recommended interventions in evidence, such as leadership competency assessments.
Take a pulse.
—
Shannon Gabriel, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
More Kyodo News via AP Following Japan's nationalization of the Senkaku Islands in 2012, China's Coast Guard ships—often equipped with autocannons—began assertive patrols around the uninhabited territory, raising Tokyo's concerns that Beijing is attempting to alter the status quo.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
In 2020, he was awarded South Carolina’s top honor for assertive journalism.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2025
Schenn, however, is an assertive physical presence and a top notch leader in the locker room, traits that the Canucks might understandably prioritize after what happened last season.
—Harman Dayal, New York Times, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for assertive
Shannon Gabriel, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
More Kyodo News via AP Following Japan's nationalization of the Senkaku Islands in 2012, China's Coast Guard ships—often equipped with autocannons—began assertive patrols around the uninhabited territory, raising Tokyo's concerns that Beijing is attempting to alter the status quo.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
In 2020, he was awarded South Carolina’s top honor for assertive journalism.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2025
Schenn, however, is an assertive physical presence and a top notch leader in the locker room, traits that the Canucks might understandably prioritize after what happened last season.
—Harman Dayal, New York Times, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for assertive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertive
Adjective
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And signs have emerged that the White House may be misreading Trump’s election mandate and the political moment, with new polls showing public sentiment turning nationwide on the president’s increasingly aggressive enforcement tactics.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 July 2025
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Turkeys may become aggressive and territorial if comfortable in suburban areas.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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Świątek, currently ranked No. 4 in the world, reached the final in a series of emphatic victories.—
Grace Jordan-Weinstein,
People.com,
12 July 2025
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Two seasons have passed in a blur of stomping channel runs and emphatic finishes, with the 27-year-old racking up 97 goals in just over 8,400 minutes — the equivalent of 93 full games.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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Encoded in the machine's engineering was an ambitious globalism.—
Emily Feng,
NPR,
5 July 2025
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The package is certain to be a flashpoint in next year’s midterm elections, and Democrats are making ambitious plans for rallies, voter registration drives, attack ads, bus tours and even a multi-day vigil, all intended to highlight the most controversial elements.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2025
Adjective
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Jane Street has disputed the findings and is expected to mount a vigorous defense.—
Daniel Schlaepfer,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
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One positive blessing today is that your health feels vigorous and strong!—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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Around the world, a new breed of hospitality leaders is transforming lobbies, guest rooms, and even rooftops into dynamic platforms for contemporary art, democratizing access and forging unprecedented artist-community-corporate synergies.—
Byron Armstrong,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
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Amazon $399 Bose $400 Best Buy The Bose Soundlink Mac (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the ultimate modern boombox, thanks to huge dynamic drivers, massive bass, and an awesome ropelike carrying handle.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Assertive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertive. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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