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
  • The 82-year-old was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, the second most common cancer among men, with 1 in 8 being diagnosed in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.
    — Sam Woodward, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Nonprofits focused on such issues could be seen as antagonistic to the company’s aggressive commercialization efforts.
    — Hayden Field, CNBC, 23 May 2025
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • Richard was known for being outspoken, if not arrogant, consistently rubbing his Tagi tribe the wrong way and offending some of them with his blatant display of nudity on the island.
    — Nick Caruso, TVLine, 27 May 2025
  • Multiple people described him to me as unpopular and arrogant.
    — Amanda Chicago Lewis, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
Definition of arrogant
Adjective
  • Musk has seemingly pushed back the deadline for the $1 trillion in savings, as the billionaire Tesla chief said in March the ambitious cuts would be completed in roughly two months.
    — Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • The stricken destroyer was the country’s newest warship and was meant to be a triumph of North Korea’s ambitious naval modernization effort.
    — Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
Definition of ambitious
Adjective
  • Caron was used to seeing my fiery side, the fierce competitor, the demanding coach.
    — Jim Calhoun with Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2025
  • The feedback was fierce—storyboards dismantled, ideas shredded—but the environment was psychologically safe.
    — Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Definition of fierce

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Cite this Entry

“Self-assertive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-assertive. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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