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Definition of positivenext
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positive

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noun

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
That means associating positive memories with new spaces. Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025 There are no positive benefits to a broader audience, or, as economists would say, no obvious positive externalities. Samidh Guha, ABC News, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
That means keeping up with appointments and regular screenings, and getting answers to your health questions—all while focusing on the positive. Jenna Anderson, Health, 24 Oct. 2025 Plumlee and Diabaté are each also vouching for that spot, and the three view the competition as a positive. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for positive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for positive
Adjective
  • The measure’s approval allows Democrats to redraw congressional maps more favorable to their party in the nation’s largest state and keep up with Republicans who have moved to add potential new red House seats in Texas and elsewhere.
    Josh Boak, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
  • By contrast, the Moon is a much more favorable environment by many metrics.
    Big Think, Big Think, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which people with less knowledge or skill feel overly confident.
    Dana Kelley, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
  • On a crucial third-and-10 just inside field goal range, Beck was confident with his pass to Marion to get well within range.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Though home blood pressure monitors are effective, a healthcare provider can provide more accurate and conclusive results.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Despite numerous conclusive assessments that the Saudi regime planned and perpetrated Khashoggi’s murder, the high-level officials who ordered his execution have gone unpunished, six years on.
    Scott Griffen, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • But the topic has been raised in recent yeas as SpaceX and other companies fill Earth’s orbit with satellites.
    Senior Reporter, PC Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Sure, word warfare can nudge us on some issues – like yea or nay on a state infrastructure initiative or a county sales tax or a school district bond.
    Sarah Stein Lubrano, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • However, on his eighth touch, Payne turned a good play into a disaster.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Arsenal’s second-half performance here was arguably their best of the campaign.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Oddsmakers aren't so sure, making the white-hot and fifth-seeded Texans (12-5) the early favorite even though Houston has never won a road playoff game in its 24-year history.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Among the options were rib meat, pork, beef, chicken, no meat, and not sure, the lawyers wrote in the lawsuit.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The newest, pinkest addition to Orlando Auto Museum was a definite fixer-upper.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The designer anticipates a definite shift from floral to geometric motifs, with bold color-blocking techniques that will set the tone in a room.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Huang said one of the most important things an IT pro can do to improve their résumé is to demonstrate their accomplishments through numbers or other measurable metrics.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
  • That much is clear by listening to Lux, where the singer seamlessly transitions through each language like a pro.
    Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Positive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/positive. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on positive

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