Assertion — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ə-ˈsər-shən/ as·ser·tion

Meaning & Definition of Assertion

Assertion (noun)

  1. the act of asserting or something that is asserted
  2. insistent and positive affirming, maintaining, or defending (as of a right or attribute)
  3. a declaration that something is the case

Assertion (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a solemn and often public declaration of the truth or existence of something

    "the assertion that all men have certain unalienable rights is set forth in the Declaration of Independence"

    similar: affirmation, asseveration, avouchment, avowal, claim, declaration, insistence, profession, protestation
    related: allegation, announcement, proclamation, pronouncement, argument, justification, rationalization, reason, confirmation, reaffirmation, reconfirmation, vindication
    opposite: disavowal
    near: disclaimer, challenge, dispute, question, confutation, disproof, rebuttal, refutation, contradiction, denial, negation

  2. an idea or opinion that is put forth in a discussion or debate

    "made the unlikely assertion that gravity affects light"

    similar: argument, contention, thesis
    related: conjecture, guess, hunch, hypothesis, speculation, surmise, theory, proposal, proposition, assumption, presupposition, supposition, position, stand, case, explanation, rationale, reason

Related Entry: Self-assertion (noun)

Self-assertion is a different word from Assertion. The synonyms below are for self-assertion, not for assertion.

  1. as in egotism, pride

    similar: arrogance, bumptiousness, complacency, conceit, egotism, hauteur, imperiousness, pompousness, presumptuousness, pride, self-aggrandizement, self-assumption, self-conceit, self-consequence, self-glorification, self-importance, self-satisfaction, smugness, vaingloriousness, vainglory, vainness, vanity, affectation, affectedness, grandiosity, inflation, pretense, pretension, pretentiousness, disdain, haughtiness, lordliness, snobbery, snobbishness, superciliousness, superiority, confidence, presumption, self-assurance, self-confidence, sureness, boastfulness, braggadocio, aggressiveness, assertiveness, audaciousness, boldness, brassiness, cheekiness, cockiness, forwardness, impudence, insolence, rudeness, grandiloquence, flamboyance, flashiness, garishness, gaudiness, glitz, mummery, ostentation, ostentatiousness, show, showiness
    opposite: demureness, down-to-earthness, humbleness, humility, lowliness, meekness, modesty, bashfulness, diffidence, shyness, timidity, naturalness, sincerity

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Assertion

The most common words with a similar meaning to Assertion:

affirmation, asseveration, avouchment, avowal, claim, declaration, insistence, profession, protestation, argument, contention, thesis

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Assertion

Words with the opposite meaning of Assertion:

disavowal

Related Words for Assertion

allegation, announcement, proclamation, pronouncement, justification, rationalization, reason, confirmation, reaffirmation, reconfirmation, vindication, conjecture, guess, hunch, hypothesis, speculation, surmise, theory, proposal, proposition, assumption, presupposition, supposition, position, stand, case, explanation, rationale

Near Antonyms of Assertion

disclaimer, challenge, dispute, question, confutation, disproof, rebuttal, refutation, contradiction, denial, negation

Origin & Etymology of Assertion

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Assertion

Words & Phrases Containing Assertion

self-assertion

Frequently Asked Questions about Assertion

What does "Assertion" mean?

"Assertion" means the act of asserting or something that is asserted. As a noun, it is defined as: the act of asserting or something that is asserted. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Assertion"?

Other words for "Assertion" include affirmation, asseveration, avouchment, avowal, claim, declaration, insistence and profession. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Assertion" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Assertion"?

There are 40 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Assertion". Common alternatives include affirmation, asseveration, avouchment, avowal, claim, declaration, insistence, profession, protestation and argument.

What is the opposite of "Assertion"?

Antonyms of "Assertion" include disavowal. Near antonyms include disclaimer, challenge, dispute and question.

How do you use "Assertion" in a sentence?

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".

Is "Assertion" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Assertion" is a noun.

Is "Assertion" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Assertion" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Assertion"?

"Assertion" is pronounced /ə-ˈsər-shən/ and divided into syllables as as·ser·tion.