unassertive

adjective

Definition of unassertivenext
as in meek
not talking or behaving in a loud and confident way a modest, unassertive person an unassertive manner

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of unassertive This film, so seemingly unassertive, apparently rambling and plotless, has a devastating impact and aftershock. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026 Avoiding is unassertive and uncooperative, where an individual tends to give up on their own needs and acquiesce to the desires of others by disengaging from the situation altogether. — Ellen Choi, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 Shy and unassertive, she’s often been overlooked by others and kept to herself. — Yasmine Alsayyad, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2023 After a time, Patterson’s play-it-down-the-middle approach feels less like the remembrances of a Renaissance man and more like evasive, unassertive hedging. — Mark Athitakis, Washington Post, 6 June 2022 My own thoughts have been along the line of weak, unassertive, super humble and timid. — Glenna Christensen, idahostatesman, 14 June 2018 Meryl Streep stars as Post owner Katherine Graham, an unassertive socialite who normally follows the journalistic lead of her editor Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks, playing it too cute). — John Powers, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unassertive
  1. meek
  2. humble
  3. modest
  4. timid
Adjective
  • This is just one of many, many kinky situations Hoffman encounters as Elliot, a meek, wide-eyed college graduate who enters into a sadomasochistic relationship with gallery owner Erika Tracey (Olivia Wilde).
    — Anna Tingley, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has never been a meek man, but his results of late — four or more losses in each of the last three seasons — spark worry about the health of his program after a dominant eight-year stretch prior.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of meek
Adjective
  • Whether topped with butter and jam, layered with peanut butter, crowned with avocado and eggs or transformed into a hearty breakfast sandwich, this humble bread has become a staple in kitchens across the country.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Adjusting to life surrounded by huge events Road closures, heavy congestion, competition for parking and big noises can stalk any humble Inglewood resident these days.
    — Shi Bradley, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of humble
Adjective
  • The last time anyone won the jackpot was on May 2, when winning tickets in Texas and Florida split a $20 million jackpot, fueling a rollover streak that has turned a modest prize into one of the year's largest lottery payouts.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 30 July 2026
  • In the decades since, the modest zebra crossing has become a pilgrimage site for generations of music lovers.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 July 2026
Definition of modest
Adjective
  • Football is a physical sport, one where an athlete can’t play scared, timid, being cautious, and needs to give his all on every snap.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • Min-ji now understands more about her father’s past and motivations, and no longer sees him as a timid man who would rather bow than fight.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 27 July 2026
Definition of timid

Browse Nearby Words

unassembled
unassertive
unassisted
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Cite this Entry

“Unassertive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unassertive. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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