ASSERTIVE Synonyms: 152 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'assertive' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of assertive are aggressive , militant , and self-assertive . While all these words mean "obtrusively energetic especially in pursuing particular goals," assertive suggests bold self-confidence in expression of opinion. // the more assertive speakers dominated the forum

Q: When is it sensible to use 'aggressive' instead of 'assertive'?

While the synonyms aggressive and assertive are close in meaning, 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

Q: When is 'militant' a more appropriate choice than 'assertive'?

The meanings of militant and assertive largely overlap; however, 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

Q: In what contexts can 'self-assertive' take the place of 'assertive'?

While in some cases nearly identical to assertive , self-assertive connotes forwardness or brash self-confidence. // a self-assertive young upstart

assertive

adjective

ə-ˈsər-tiv

Definition of assertive next

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

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective assertive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of assertive are aggressive, militant, and self-assertive. While all these words mean "obtrusively energetic especially in pursuing particular goals," assertive suggests bold self-confidence in expression of opinion.

the more assertive speakers dominated the forum

When is it sensible to use aggressive instead of assertive?

While the synonyms aggressive and assertive are close in meaning, 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 is militant a more appropriate choice than assertive?

The meanings of militant and assertive largely overlap; however, 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

In what contexts can self-assertive take the place of assertive?

While in some cases nearly identical to assertive, self-assertive connotes forwardness or brash self-confidence.

a self-assertive young upstart

Examples 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 assertive Though the Chinese Communist Party has never governed Taiwan, Beijing has grown more assertive in recent years. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Beijing has become increasingly assertive in pursuing its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea, which is crucial to international trade. —

CBS News, 27 Sep. 2024 Be assertive, which is the balance between being passive and aggressive, says Dr. Silva. —

Sherri Gordon, Parents, 19 Sep. 2024 Plymouth Gin works well in both classic and modern cocktails, offering a gentler alternative to the more assertive London Dry. —

Emily Price, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for assertive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertive

Adjective

But the caveat is that strategy requires an aggressive sales function.

Jesse Silvertown, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Throughout the election season, Republicans and Democrats viewed Arizona's 11 electoral college votes as up for grabs, which meant both parties did aggressive campaigning throughout the state and both Trump and Harris visited on multiple occasions.

Stephanie Innes, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024