assertion
Americannoun
-
a positive statement or declaration, often without support or reason.
a mere assertion;
an unwarranted assertion.
- Synonyms:
- allegation, contention, claim
-
an act of asserting.
noun
-
a positive statement, usually made without an attempt at furnishing evidence
-
the act of asserting
Other Word Forms
- assertional adjective
- misassertion noun
- nonassertion noun
- overassertion noun
- reassertion noun
- superassertion noun
Etymology
Origin of assertion
1375–1425; late Middle English assercion < Latin assertiōn- (stem of assertiō ). See assert, -ion
Explanation
An assertion is a declaration that's made emphatically, especially as part of an argument or as if it's to be understood as a statement of fact. To assert is to state with force. So if someone makes an assertion, they’re not just trying out an idea — they really mean it. An assertion can also be an act that seems to make a statement without words. When your dog urinates in multiple places up and down your block, he's making an assertion of his dominance (also called "marking") over his "territory."
Vocabulary lists containing assertion
The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 6
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"The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He said Leo XIV’s desire for peace “is understandable,” though he challenged the pontiff on his prior assertion that peace is “only” achievable through “dialogue.”
From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026
But it has walked a fine line over six weeks of war in the region, describing open waters in the strait as of global interest, while avoiding any condemnation of Iran’s assertion of control.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026
These trends emerged despite the mayor's assertion that London's per capita homicide rate has fallen to its lowest level on record.
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026
The stock’s decline also dovetails with a U.S. government appeal of a federal court ruling in September of 2024 that rejected tougher remedies to the assertion that it holds a monopoly in online search.
From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026
Margaret Kochamma had moved out of her parents’ home a year ago, for no greater reason than a youthful assertion of independence.
From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
