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as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude after the interview, we chose a less self-assertive and more self-effacing applicant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective self-assertive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of self-assertive are aggressive, assertive, and militant. While all these words mean "obtrusively energetic especially in pursuing particular goals," self-assertive connotes forwardness or brash self-confidence.

a self-assertive young upstart

When would aggressive be a good substitute for self-assertive?

The words aggressive and self-assertive can be used in similar contexts, but 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 could assertive be used to replace self-assertive?

In some situations, the words assertive and self-assertive are roughly equivalent. However, assertive suggests bold self-confidence in expression of opinion.

the more assertive speakers dominated the forum

When is it sensible to use militant instead of self-assertive?

The synonyms militant and self-assertive are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

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 self-assertive The only really odious members of the party will, of course, be those termed the Young, who are almost certain to prove fast, rude, and self-assertive. Nancy Mitford, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-assertive
Adjective
  • An aggressive exterior, with more aero and venting, hints at the performance potential within.
    Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Eight years later, polls show the president has more support in the country for aggressive limits on immigration, in part because of a surge in migrants crossing the southern border during much of Mr. Biden’s time in office.
    Michael D. Shear, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Julie Bowen and Christopher McDonald return as love interest Virginia Venit and arrogant rival Shooter McGavin, respectively, and the cast includes rookies like Bad Bunny, Travis Kelce and pro wrestler Maxwell Jacob Friedman.
    Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Those include genial second-year resident Dr. King (Taylor Dearden), arrogant intern Santos (Isa Briones), and doe-eyed med students Javadi (Shabana Azeez) and Whittaker (Gerran Howell).
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • More ambitious scenarios, like the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario, envision cutting oil, coal, and gas use by at least 80% in just 25 years—an unprecedented feat.
    Aldo Flores-Quiroga, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Magaro plays the young, ambitious TV producer Geoffrey Mason, eager to prove himself to his boss, the legendary TV executive Roone Arledge (Sarsgaard).
    EW.com, EW.com, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Just one decade later, he's become one of Meta's fiercest competitors BYMarco Quiroz-Gutierrez January 15, 2025 7 hours ago Personal Finance A woman purchased a vacant Hawaiian lot for about $22,000.
    Chloe Berger, Fortune, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Rubio was a fierce Trump critic during the contest for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.
    Laura Kelly, The Hill, 20 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near self-assertive

Cite this Entry

“Self-assertive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-assertive. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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