assertion

noun

as·​ser·​tion ə-ˈsər-shən How to pronounce assertion (audio)
a-
: the act of asserting or something that is asserted: such as
a
: insistent and positive affirming, maintaining, or defending (as of a right or attribute)
an assertion of ownership/innocence
b
: a declaration that something is the case
He presented no evidence to support his assertions.

Examples of assertion in a Sentence

the assertion that all men have certain unalienable rights is set forth in the Declaration of Independence made the unlikely assertion that gravity affects light
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Atlantic also published an article making similar assertions. Brieanna J. Frank, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024 The spirited debate featured some bold assertions about the state of distribution — along with some even bolder predictions for the new paths filmmakers might forge for themselves. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2024 In fact, that’s an assertion Williams offered himself after Sunday’s loss, still seemingly disappointed that the team as a whole didn’t find closure more quickly after that final-play loss to the Commanders. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2024 More:Trump meets Arab Americans in Dearborn, vows to bring peace in Middle East The Harris campaign blasted Trump's assertions. Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for assertion 

Word History

Etymology

see assert

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of assertion was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near assertion

Cite this Entry

“Assertion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assertion. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

assertion

noun
as·​ser·​tion ə-ˈsər-shən How to pronounce assertion (audio)
a-
: the act of asserting
also : something asserted : declaration

More from Merriam-Webster on assertion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!