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Synonyms

assert

American  
[uh-surt] / əˈsɜrt /

verb (used with object)

  1. to state with assurance, confidence, or force; state strongly or positively; affirm; aver.

    He asserted his innocence of the crime.

    Synonyms:
    maintain, avow, asseverate
    Antonyms:
    deny
  2. to maintain or defend (claims, rights, etc.).

    Synonyms:
    support, uphold
  3. to state as having existence; affirm; postulate.

    to assert a first cause as necessary.


idioms

  1. assert oneself, to insist on one's rights, declare one's views forcefully, etc..

    The candidate finally asserted himself about property taxes.

assert British  
/ əˈsɜːt /

verb

  1. to insist upon (rights, claims, etc)

  2. (may take a clause as object) to state to be true; declare categorically

  3. to put (oneself) forward in an insistent manner

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See declare. See maintain.

Other Word Forms

  • asserter noun
  • assertible adjective
  • assertor noun
  • misassert verb (used with object)
  • overassert verb (used with object)
  • preassert verb (used with object)
  • reassert verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of assert

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin assertus “joined to, defended, claimed,” past participle of asserere “to join to, defend,” from as- as- + serere “to connect” ( series )

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.

A good start would be to assert that the Fed believes it best supports full employment by delivering price stability and then focusing like a laser on that goal.

From The Wall Street Journal

The European Commission asserts that the DSA’s “main goal” is to “create a digital space that respects citizens and consumers’ fundamental rights” by “establishing a clear set of rules across the EU.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Wolfpack asserts that those acquired businesses aren’t clearly related to quantum computing, and seem to have been purchased for their government contracts and revenue.

From Barron's

As women increasingly assert their right to choose their partners, Srivastava adds, they often encounter resistance from what she describes as "a deeply regressive social system".

From BBC

Blue Owl executives have been among the most vocal in the industry in asserting that the quality of their private credit loans is sound, including those to the software industry.

From Barron's