positive 1 of 2

adjective

ˈpä-zə-tiv How to pronounce positive (audio)
Definition of positivenext
1
as in favorable
expressing approval hoped for a positive reaction from the audience

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in confident
having or showing a mind free from doubt I'm positive that this is the right direction

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in conclusive
not capable of being challenged or proved wrong seeks positive proof that UFO's exist

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

positive

2 of 2

noun

as in yea

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective positive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of positive are certain, cocksure, and sure. While all these words mean "having no doubt or uncertainty," positive intensifies sureness or certainty and may imply opinionated conviction or forceful expression of it.

I'm positive that's the person I saw

When would certain be a good substitute for positive?

The meanings of certain and positive largely overlap; however, certain may apply to a basing of a conclusion or conviction on definite grounds or indubitable evidence.

police are certain about the cause of the fire

When can cocksure be used instead of positive?

While in some cases nearly identical to positive, cocksure implies presumptuous or careless positiveness.

you're always so cocksure about everything

When could sure be used to replace positive?

In some situations, the words sure and positive are roughly equivalent. However, sure usually stresses the subjective or intuitive feeling of assurance.

felt sure that I had forgotten something

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 positive
Adjective
Only 42% of Democrats viewed capitalism favorably, while 66% had a positive view of socialism. — Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 The report comes with Federal Reserve policymakers expressing mixed feelings about the economy – mostly positive on growth though apprehensive on inflation as earlier fears about weakness in the labor market have eased. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Noun
Instead of harping on the negatives and problems, center and rest your energy on the positives and protect your peace to wash away some of your worries. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 18 June 2026 Those positives contrast with mineral sunscreens, which rely on the broad-spectrum filters zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and can leave a chalky white cast on the skin. — Danielle Zickl, Health, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for positive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for positive
  1. favorable
  2. confident
  3. conclusive
  4. yea
  5. good
  6. sure
  7. definite
  8. pro
Adjective
  • That combination of clear skies, dry air and terrain can produce dramatic overnight lows in the 20s and 30s — and in especially favorable setups, even colder readings in localized spots like the one near Kirk, Oregon.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Similarly, Sullivan and Hafley appear to have favorable view about Rodriguez’s ability to wear the green dot.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Definition of favorable
Adjective
  • Exploring the recent opportunity Baird is confident Innio will be able to lead and set the highest price target at $50.
    — Assiatou Hann, CNBC, 3 July 2026
  • Speaking of golf, a confident politician or a confident reporter, for that matter, should walk like a golfer coming down the fairway on the 18th hole with a three-stroke lead in a major tournament.
    — Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 2 July 2026
Definition of confident
Adjective
  • Although rescuers had not detected conclusive signs of life, the operation continued under the watch of the child’s parents and grandmother.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
  • The best shot at making a conclusive determination on who raped Sebold would come through DNA analysis of the physical evidence.
    — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026
Definition of conclusive
Noun
  • And on July 2, after the arrival of British forces in New York lent the proceedings new urgency, Congress did, in fact, declare independence—with a vote of 12 yeas, 0 nays, and 1 abstention.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 July 2026
  • Caltrans has cleaned up the site twice over the past five yeas.
    — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
Definition of yea
Adjective
  • The next best thing to intravenous intervention when dehydrated is Liquid IV.
    — Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • Our best guess is that there might be a little bit of recognition for the youngest generations, too, watching all those clips — as in, Holy cow, Austin Powers was real!
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 7 July 2026
Definition of good
Adjective
  • More the former than the latter, sure, but both men are not overly pleased at the way they’re being treated.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • Although astronomers are pretty sure there is a neutron star in the heart of the remnant based on indirect evidence, no pulsar radio emissions have yet been detected.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of sure
Adjective
  • Overall definite recommend on Screen Engine and Rentrak’s Postmark audience exits was 52%, versus Superman at 74%.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 29 June 2026
  • Elements like paint, lighting, furniture, and decor are definite opportunities to have a little more fun with trends without worrying about longer-term ramifications.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2026
Definition of definite
Noun
  • Creatives can check a large item off their wishlist for heavy-duty photo and video editing, plus other pros will enjoy plenty of space for data analysis, coding, and other multitasking projects.
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 6 July 2026
  • The Thunder was outmatched by a Memphis team that features multiple second- and third-year pros who have played (or will play) significant minutes.
    — Latif Love, Kansas City Star, 5 July 2026
Definition of pro

Browse Nearby Words

positions
positive
positively
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Cite this Entry

“Positive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/positive. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on positive

Nglish: Translation of positive for Spanish Speakers

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