asserted; asserting; asserts
1
a
: to state or declare positively and often forcefully or aggressively
The suspect continued to assert his innocence.
b
: to compel or demand acceptance or recognition of (something, such as one's authority)
… the confrontations that inevitably occur [between orangutans] when several males try to assert dominance …—
NationalGeographic.com
NationalGeographic.comWallace asserted control early—shutting down both candidates when they tried to talk over one another, and shushing the audience when it reacted too audibly.—Glenn Thrush
Glenn Thrush
Phrases
assert oneself
1
: to speak or act in a manner that compels recognition especially of one's rights
… she wants him to learn to assert himself with people in positions of authority.—Malcolm Gladwell
Malcolm Gladwell… a long-suffering Irish community asserted itself by putting its own politicians in power.—Ellis Cose
Ellis Cose2
: to become more strongly apparent : to become clearly seen, known, or experienced
Unbidden, a glint asserts itself in Ms. Brown's eyes …—Joanne Kaufman
Joanne Kaufman… a passion that through its long suppression was now asserting itself with volcanic necessity.—Zadie Smith
Zadie SmithSynonyms
Examples of assert in a Sentence
He asserted that there were spies in the government.
She asserted her independence from her parents by getting her own apartment.
The boss was reluctant to assert his authority over his employees.
Recent Examples on the Web
However, students have consistently rejected direct talks with Vučić, asserting that he is not constitutionally authorized to engage with them.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
In particular, this season shows Messer continuing to be at odds with Ali when the 15-year-old, who lives with Titin Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy, tries to assert more independence without mobility aids.
—Angela Andaloro, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Young weaponizes addiction for profit, insurance giant Aetna has charged in a $40 million federal lawsuit, asserting that his businesses cycle patients from one entity to another and encourage relapse so billing cycles can start anew.
—Teri Sforza, Orange County Register, 27 Jan. 2025
Or were all those billionaire potentates in the Capitol Rotunda — seated in front of Trump’s Cabinet picks — asserting their social, economic and cultural hegemony?
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for assert 
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Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
In particular, this season shows Messer continuing to be at odds with Ali when the 15-year-old, who lives with Titin Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy, tries to assert more independence without mobility aids.
—Angela Andaloro, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Young weaponizes addiction for profit, insurance giant Aetna has charged in a $40 million federal lawsuit, asserting that his businesses cycle patients from one entity to another and encourage relapse so billing cycles can start anew.
—Teri Sforza, Orange County Register, 27 Jan. 2025
Or were all those billionaire potentates in the Capitol Rotunda — seated in front of Trump’s Cabinet picks — asserting their social, economic and cultural hegemony?
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for assert
Dictionary Entries Near assert
Cite this Entry
“Assert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assert. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
assert
verb
as·sert
ə-ˈsərt 
a-
1
: to state clearly and strongly
2
: to make others aware of
assert your rights
Legal Definition
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