assert

verb

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

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 …—National Geographic
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
b
: posit, postulate
assertible
ə-ˈsər-tə-bəl How to pronounce assert (audio)
a-
adjective
an assertible defense
see also:
assert oneself

Synonyms of assert

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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
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.
Data provided the basis for asserting AGOA’s growing significance to the apparel sourcing map. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 Meanwhile, Davis’ defense attorneys asserted that the book was partly a work of fiction, alleging that the memoir’s co-writer, Yusuf Jah, had fabricated some of the details regarding Shakur’s death. — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026 Some lawmakers assert that the lyrics in these songs promote violence, including Mexico City lawmakers who, in May, passed a law barring the songs from being played at public events. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Although the makeup of the New England power grid changed substantially over a quarter century, the report asserts that fossil fuel remains the principal source of generation. — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for assert

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

Phrases Containing assert

Rhymes for assert

See All Rhymes for assert

Browse Nearby Words

assentingly
assert
assertation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Assert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assert. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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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
ə-ˈsər-shən How to pronounce assert (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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