self-assertive

adjective

ˌself-ə-ˈsər-tiv How to pronounce self-assertive (audio)
Definition of self-assertivenext
1
as in aggressive
having or showing a bold forcefulness in the pursuit of a goal we need to hire self-assertive salespeople who don't require constant supervision

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

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 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
  1. aggressive
  2. arrogant
  3. ambitious
  4. fierce
Adjective
  • Even though Trump showed signs of softening his aggressive tariff plan with an exemption last week for smartphones, computers and other electronics and floated a temporary exemption for autos, the administration continues to be amadamant more tariffs are coming soon.
    — Medora Lee, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
  • More likely than an all-out boycott, say attorneys, is a new era in which taxpayers and their accountants push the envelope with aggressive tax-planning techniques that may escape the review of an understaffed agency.
    — Robert Frank, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • That doesn’t portray a hero, but rather someone so arrogant as to invent his own law and appoint himself its executioner.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Maybe so, but that’s an arrogant thing for such a young killer to say.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of arrogant
Adjective
  • Many experts say that far more ambitious objective is unlikely to be achieved without cutting major federal programs like Social Security and Medicare, which President Trump has vowed not to touch.
    — Alain Sherter, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2025
  • In 1978, an ambitious and rebellious young woman, Marina Bulgari, decamped from her family business to branch out with her own jewelry brand.
    — Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of ambitious
Adjective
  • The documentary follows the story of Ángel, a charismatic boy with fierce love for his Guarani roots and a vision for his Paraguayan hometown of Nanawa.
    — Lise Pedersen, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The Battle of Okinawa lasted 82 days, with fierce fighting on land and sea.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of fierce

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Cite this Entry

“Self-assertive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-assertive. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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