to assert

Examples

• All

• What do you say to people who assert A boundary or express themselves?

• All of her life, Vera had gone from one religion to another, asserting herself as its principal devotee.

  Fiction book (1993)

• So we have to assert who we are.

  Harvard University

• All you have to do is assert yourself and trade.

• This time, we have to assert our strength.

  Gussy (2022)

• The Irish people have asserted their democratic right to govern themselves.

  Blood Freak (1972)

• You'll probably find that she does actually like you if you just asserted yourself a wee bit more.

  Filth (2013)

• He decided to assert his opinion during the meeting to ensure his ideas were heard.

• She felt the need to assert her rights when she was unfairly treated.

Synonyms

C

to claim

vsto assert

∞ 2.3

To say something is true, often without proof

states firmly but does not imply lack of evidence

S

to swear

vsto assert

• Formal

∞ 4.6

To make a serious promise, often in court

asserts firmly without the formal or sworn promise element

I

to insist

vsto assert

∞ 2.8

Say or demand something firmly and refuse to change your mind

declares confidently but may not include refusal to change view

D

to declare

vsto assert

• Formal

950 3.7

To officially tell other people or officials about something

expresses firm belief but is not always formal or public

A

to allege

vsto assert

• Literature

497 5.3

To say that something is true without giving proof

asserts confidently and may be based on firmer conviction

P

to proclaim

vsto assert

• Formal

229 5.3

To officially announce something to the public

says something firmly but not necessarily as a public proclamation

M

to maintain

vsto assert

163 4.4

Say firmly that something is true

asserts confidently but can be used beyond disagreement contexts

A

to affirm

vsto assert

108 4.1

To state clearly that something is true or show support for it

focuses on declaring confidently, not only showing support

C

to contend

vsto assert

• Formal

97 4.6

Argue or claim that something is wrong, often in a formal process

makes a firm statement without necessarily engaging in argument

P

to protest

vsto assert

93 2.8

To say firmly that you are not guilty

asserts confidently but not always as a rebuttal to doubt

P

to profess

vsto assert

72 5.9

To say you believe or support something, often without meaning it

states confidently but does not imply possible insincerity

A

to avow

vsto assert

• Formal

4 7.6

To say something openly, often in a formal way

states firmly but may be less publicly or boldly framed

P

to put forward

vsto assert

4 3.7

To clearly say your opinion or claim your rights

states ideas firmly without always pressing for acceptance

A

to aver

vsto assert

• Formal

2 7.9

To say firmly that something is true

expresses firm belief but can be less forceful than that

A

to avouch

vsto assert

• Archaic

1 9.9

To say clearly and without doubt that something is true

declares with confidence but may be less blunt in tone

A

to asseverate

vsto assert

• Formal

9.9

To say something firmly and seriously

says something firmly but with less ceremonial emphasis

Antonyms

D

to deny

∞ 2.0

To say that something is not true

Phrasal Verbs

A

to assert oneself

6 6.0

Speak or act confidently so people notice and respect you

How Forceful

to insist

∞ 2.8

to assert

229 3.9

to declare

• Formal

950 3.7

to state

∞ 1.6

to say

∞ 1.0

to mention

∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

Etymology