as in intensity
the quality or state of being forceful (as in expression)
the assertiveness with which he voices his opinions intimidates some people
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Recent Examples of assertiveness
In Aries, the messenger planet initiates conversations with passion, courage and assertiveness.
—
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Since the start of the Korean War, however, members of Congress have demonstrated more deference and less assertiveness.
—Robert Haswell, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2026
Both view the Lebanese government as still completely incapable of disarming Hezbollah, though both were shocked at the new assertiveness of Beirut as seen by Tuesday’s banishment of Iran’s ambassador.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026
Most organizations overvalue assertiveness.
—Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2026
Carney and Takaichi also agreed to launch bilateral dialogues on economic security and cyber policies as the two countries face China’s growing assertiveness in trade and military activity in the Indo-Pacific.
—ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
Many Japanese, frustrated by China's growing assertiveness, welcomed her comments on Taiwan.
—Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026
Many Japanese, frustrated by China’s growing assertiveness, welcomed her comments on Taiwan.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
Many Japanese, frustrated by China’s growing assertiveness, welcomed her comments on Taiwan.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Since the start of the Korean War, however, members of Congress have demonstrated more deference and less assertiveness.
—Robert Haswell, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2026
Both view the Lebanese government as still completely incapable of disarming Hezbollah, though both were shocked at the new assertiveness of Beirut as seen by Tuesday’s banishment of Iran’s ambassador.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026
Most organizations overvalue assertiveness.
—Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2026
Carney and Takaichi also agreed to launch bilateral dialogues on economic security and cyber policies as the two countries face China’s growing assertiveness in trade and military activity in the Indo-Pacific.
—ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
Many Japanese, frustrated by China's growing assertiveness, welcomed her comments on Taiwan.
—Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026
Many Japanese, frustrated by China’s growing assertiveness, welcomed her comments on Taiwan.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
Many Japanese, frustrated by China’s growing assertiveness, welcomed her comments on Taiwan.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assertiveness
Noun
-
Here, the trio sharpens its focus, marrying clever production with the soul-eating intensity that propelled its rise.—
Dean Van Nguyen,
Pitchfork,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Classic shades such as oxblood and rust provide an intensity that doesn’t overpower when used in head-to-toe looks, while statured reds add energy.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Some Trump-boosting podcasters and influencers cheered the FCC’s aggressiveness on Tuesday.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Not long into his second term, Bush sat uncomfortably as Stephen Colbert, then a Comedy Central host, hammered him with an aggressiveness unusual for the dinner.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The nonprofit organization’s emphasis is on mental health awareness.—
Staff Photographer,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The Jags also have Hunter Long and Quintin Morris on the roster as blocking tight ends, and Boerkircher gives them another body at a position that the Los Angeles Rams placed an emphasis on last season.—
Mark Long,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Assertiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assertiveness. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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