AFFIRMATIVE Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

affirmative

noun

Definition of affirmative

as in approval

a vote or decision for something we have five affirmatives and two negatives for forming the committee

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 affirmative Howard asked Nuñez, to which the FBI agent answered in the affirmative. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026 When asked if Brooks, who is coming off the second ACL surgery of his young career, would be available for the offseason program, Canales answered in the affirmative. — Mike Kaye march 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026 Lue replied when a reporter answered in the affirmative. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026 Deputy Superintendent Derald Davis answered in the affirmative and added that administrative support is being given to those staff members and/or the school site. — Connye Griffin, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for affirmative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for affirmative

Noun

Community colleges that want to offer non-credit classes are able to move especially fast, because the approval process is less cumbersome.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Government support can improve access to financing and, of course, accelerate approvals, which will give customers greater confidence that nuclear power will remain part of long-term energy policy.

— Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of approval

Noun

Participants agree to release and hold harmless Company, the Podcast and Podcast hosts from any claims arising out of participation in the Competition or the acceptance or use of any prize.

— The Athletic, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Examples, from vaccine acceptance to accessibility features, demonstrate how identity and practical needs serve as essential filters.

— Sonia Thompson, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of acceptance

Noun

The letter promised an additional $20 million in funds for countries that accept, which sound something like bribery, dare say flat-out payment for a yes vote.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Three yeses put you in the top-left, and the only exits are to build something non-reproducible or become essential plumbing, or the services wrapped around it.

— Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Definition of yes

Browse Nearby Words

affirmations

affirmative

affirmatives

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Style

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

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Synonyms of affirmative

noun

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