unassertive

adjective

Definition of unassertivenext
as in meek
not talking or behaving in a loud and confident way a modest, unassertive person an unassertive manner

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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 unassertive This film, so seemingly unassertive, apparently rambling and plotless, has a devastating impact and aftershock. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026 Avoiding is unassertive and uncooperative, where an individual tends to give up on their own needs and acquiesce to the desires of others by disengaging from the situation altogether. — Ellen Choi, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 Shy and unassertive, she’s often been overlooked by others and kept to herself. — Yasmine Alsayyad, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2023 After a time, Patterson’s play-it-down-the-middle approach feels less like the remembrances of a Renaissance man and more like evasive, unassertive hedging. — Mark Athitakis, Washington Post, 6 June 2022 My own thoughts have been along the line of weak, unassertive, super humble and timid. — Glenna Christensen, idahostatesman, 14 June 2018 Meryl Streep stars as Post owner Katherine Graham, an unassertive socialite who normally follows the journalistic lead of her editor Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks, playing it too cute). — John Powers, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unassertive
  1. meek
  2. humble
  3. modest
  4. timid
Adjective
  • Moore plays Mona, a meek, thoroughly unseen wife and mother who impulsively decides to audition for a community theater musical despite having no experience.
    — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The visitors were meek and the poorest performers of the four opponents, but how much of that is down to the way Leeds played?
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of meek
Adjective
  • The 23-year-old Texas product, whom the Packers took in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, caught six passes from quarterback Jordan Love for a career-high 123 yards, including a 50-yard snag to help Green Bay humble the Bears.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The humble price tag has long served as a common measure of value for consumers.
    — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of humble
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans may see modest premium increases in 2027, according to an analysis by KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research group.
    — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
  • After adjusting for geographic region and fertility status, researchers found a modest annual decline in sperm concentration.
    — Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of modest
Adjective
  • Defense can’t be too timid, but there needs to be rational response to an asymmetric downside.
    — Bob Ackerman, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Yukon Golds bring plenty of flavor on their own, while garlic and rosemary steeped in warm milk and cream make sure there’s nothing timid about them.
    — Andy Baraghani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of timid

Browse Nearby Words

unassembled
unassertive
unassisted
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Cite this Entry

“Unassertive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unassertive. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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