assert

verb

as·​sert ə-ˈsərt How to pronounce assert (audio)
a-
asserted; asserting; asserts

transitive verb

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
Wallace 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
2
a
: to demonstrate the existence of
He wished to vindicate himself in some way, to assert his manhood.James Joyce
assertible adjective
an assertible defense
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
… a long-suffering Irish community asserted itself by putting its own politicians in power.Ellis Cose
2
: to become more strongly apparent : to become clearly seen, known, or experienced
Unbidden, a glint asserts itself in Ms. Brown's eyes …Joanne Kaufman
… a passion that through its long suppression was now asserting itself with volcanic necessity.Zadie Smith
Choose the Right Synonym for assert

assert, declare, affirm, protest, avow mean to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection.

assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence.

asserted that modern music is just noise

declare stresses open or public statement.

declared her support for the candidate

affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith.

affirmed the existence of an afterlife

protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt.

protested that he really had been misquoted

avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared.

avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

synonyms see in addition maintain

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 From the opening bell, Joshua looked to assert himself on the sport’s newcomer. Thomas Schlachter, CNN, 9 Mar. 2024 The Indian River Sheriff said that the drivers of the fishing boats are facing federal charges for smuggling and allegedly asserting his belief that the boat originated from Brevard County, Florida. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 7 Mar. 2024 Wyden asserted in a letter to Crow’s lawyer that there’s no evidence the yacht has been registered as a charter vessel, but instead has been used for pleasure cruises by Crow, his family and his guests. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 While many yearn for another album of Xiao Xia, Huang Qishan asserted during this interview that 3.0 will serve as the definitive conclusion. Billboard China, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024 Their termination letters asserted that they were being fired for failure to cooperate with a government or internal investigation but did not identify specific claims. Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Mar. 2024 For example, a U.S. Senate candidate in Ohio wrongly asserted that in 2020 there were 5 million more votes cast than voters, and pinned the claim on U.S. Census Bureau data, according to a PolitiFact fact check. Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024 But interior designers assert that adding leopard to your space doesn’t need to be complicated. Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Mar. 2024 Data privacy concerns are at the forefront of cybersecurity challenges in EdTech, with risks ranging from identity theft to financial fraud,' Manit asserts. David Balaban, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'assert.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin assertus, past participle of asserere, from ad- + serere to join — more at series

First Known Use

circa 1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of assert was circa 1604

Dictionary Entries Near assert

Cite this Entry

“Assert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assert. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

assert

verb
as·​sert ə-ˈsərt How to pronounce assert (audio)
a-
1
: to state clearly and strongly
2
: to make others aware of
assert your rights

Legal Definition

assert

transitive verb
as·​sert ə-ˈsərt How to pronounce assert (audio)
: to present and demand recognition of
assert a claim
assertion noun

More from Merriam-Webster on assert

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