assertion

noun

as·​ser·​tion ə-ˈsər-shən 

a-

: the act of asserting or something that is asserted: such as

a

: insistent and positive affirming, maintaining, or defending (as of a right or attribute)

an assertion of ownership/innocence

b

: a declaration that something is the case

He presented no evidence to support his assertions.

Synonyms

• affirmation
• asseveration
• avouchment
• avowal
• claim
• declaration
• insistence
• profession
• protestation

Examples of assertion in a Sentence

the assertion that all men have certain unalienable rights is set forth in the Declaration of Independence

made the unlikely assertion that gravity affects light

Recent Examples on the Web

Among the most bizarre was Vance’s assertion that white liberal parents are pushing their children to transition in order to gain an edge in college admissions. —Samantha Riedel, Them, 1 Nov. 2024

The assertion that justice is core to adaptation might not seem like the purview of science, but its relation to the rate of change warrants exploration. —John Sabo, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

Don’t abandon your principles based on your child’s assertion of other families’ norms. —Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 25 Oct. 2024

Rossello’s assertion that he was raped twice by Jose Menendez is part of the Menendez brothers’ petition. —Jaimie Ding, Chicago Tribune, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see assert

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing assertion

• self-assertion

Kids Definition

assertion

noun

as·​ser·​tion ə-ˈsər-shən 

a-

: the act of asserting

also : something asserted : declaration