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

He asserted his innocence of the crime.

to maintain or defend (claims, rights, etc.).

to state as having existence; affirm; postulate

to assert a first cause as necessary.

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

etc.

The candidate finally asserted himself about property taxes.

verb

deny , reject

verb

advance , affirm , allege , argue , asservate , attest , aver , avouch , avow , butt in * , cite , claim , contend , defend , horn in , justify , mouth off * , pop off * , predicate , press , proclaim , profess , pronounce , protest , put forward , say , shoot off one’s mouth , shoot one’s wad , stand up for , state , stress , swear , uphold , vindicate , warrant , asseverate , declare , hold , maintain , advocate , assure , champion , depose , emphasize , plead , pose , submit , support , utter , vaunt , voice