v. 25B6; verb
they asserted that all aboard were safe : DECLARE, maintain, contend, argue, state, claim, propound, proclaim, announce, pronounce, swear, insist, avow; formal aver, opine; rare asseverate.
we find it difficult to assert our rights : INSIST ON, stand up for, uphold, defend, contend, establish, press/push for, stress.
25A0; assert oneself BEHAVE/SPEAK CONFIDENTLY, be assertive, put oneself forward, make one's presence felt; informal put one's foot down.