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

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Recent Examples of assertive Do your marketing and sales teams need to be more assertive or more supportive? —

Jeffrey Russell, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 The two countries have a bond shaped by their opposition to the West during the Cold War and nurtured by Moscow's more recent attempt to have a more assertive foreign policy on the world stage. —

Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024 The territorial dispute has intensified since Marcos took office in 2022, with Chinese maritime forces employing increasingly assertive measures against Philippine vessels operating in their EEZ. —

Micah McCartney, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024 Apart from the question of bilateral diplomacy and tariffs, the Trump administration will deal with a more assertive Chinese foreign policy. —

Rush Doshi, Foreign Affairs, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for assertive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertive

Adjective

But proceed with caution, as character actors are extremely protective of their acting prospects, and are known to become aggressive when placed in the same room.

Graeme Carey, The New Yorker, 24 Dec. 2024
At the same time, record global temperatures and California’s aggressive regulatory actions served as stark reminders of the urgency of balancing energy growth with sustainability.

Robert Rapier, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024