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
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
-
Housing construction would follow as projects receive approvals.—
Beret Leone,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
-
The Obama-era Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, which requires presidents to submit agreements related to Iran’s nuclear program to Congress for approval, temporarily bars the president from waiving sanctions while lawmakers review.—
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
Last year, voters showed a growing acceptance of the horror genre by awarding Oscars to Sinners and Weapons.—
Sophia Morano,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
-
That wistful undertow stems from Zimmerman’s casual acceptance of his advancing age.—
Stephen Thomas Erlewine,
Pitchfork,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
In June 2026, the teenagers made their television debut on the 21st season of America's Got Talent, earning yeses from all four judges as their mother watched from the sidelines.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
-
Their work is to say yes or no to a risk and to put a price on the yes.—
Dara-Abasi Ita,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Affirmative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affirmative. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
