assertiveness

noun

Definition of assertivenessnext
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

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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 Under its five-year defense strategy set in 2022, Japan has doubled its defense spending to about 2% of its gross domestic product to build up its Self-Defense Forces’ offensive role to counter China’s growing assertiveness. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 Under its five-year defense strategy set in 2022, Japan has doubled its defense spending to about 2% of its gross domestic product to build up its Self-Defense Forces' offensive role to counter China’s growing assertiveness. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 Japan will seek to build more drones and missiles as part of a record defense spend of more than $55 billion next year, amid growing concerns over China’s military assertiveness. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Mars, planet of action and assertiveness, enters Cancer today. — Usa Today, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 On pizza, though, that assertiveness will meld nicely with the crust below. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Aug. 2026 When speaking in her unmistakable throaty voice, her expressive body language (hand movements often complement her sentences) reveals her assertiveness. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 But the Saudis too have shown greater assertiveness in their conduct of airstrikes, which could add to regional escalatory dynamics. — Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026 Counterbalancing the drink’s herbal assertiveness is an underlying creaminess to the body. — Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertiveness
  1. intensity
  2. aggressiveness
  3. emphasis
Noun
  • Thom’s uncomfortable intensity carries over to Hamburger Hamlet, where the tension between the couple finally reaches a breaking point.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The tool kit suggests states use concurrent review to compare delivered hours against authorized hours and test whether intensity still tracks progress.
    — JP Montoya, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of intensity
Noun
  • The salaries match, Strus is an expiring contract while Niko has four years left and the 3-point shooting and the aggressiveness of Max are way better than Niko’s.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
  • This could bring up feelings of resentment, competitiveness or passive aggressiveness, especially if there’s been something simmering in the background.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of aggressiveness
Noun
  • Precision Strike in a More Contested Environment Another notable element of the demonstration is the emphasis on operating in difficult electronic and environmental conditions.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Varma’s popularity grew at the height of the British Empire in India, as Western-style oil painting, with its emphasis on depth and chiaroscuro, gained prominence in the country.
    — Noor Anand Chawla, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of emphasis

Browse Nearby Words

assertively
assertiveness
asserts
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Cite this Entry

“Assertiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertiveness. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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