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noun

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positive feedback
encouraging feedback
constructive feedback
affirmative feedback
favorable feedback
welcome feedback
a positive effect
a beneficial effect
a good effect
an important effect
a favorable effect
a healthy effect
a positive attitude
an optimistic attitude
a cheerful attitude
a healthy attitude
an upbeat attitude
a hopeful attitude

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
Still, Guerin believes the additions of Sturm and Vladimir Tarasenko via a Monday trade were net positives. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 1 July 2025 With all the positives that come with a successful entrepreneurial career, so comes the backlash anyone would face on social media. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
Among Republicans, the gap is a 19% positive to a 43% negative. Philip Elliott, Time, 9 July 2025 Ashe’s doubling down response to the security guard’s attempt at intimidation led to a positive change as officers were henceforth noticeably absent from the cafeteria while more present in the school’s trouble spots. David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for positive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for positive
Adjective
  • In 2019, 52% of Mainers had a favorable impression of Collins, according to Morning Consult polling.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 9 July 2025
  • This is driven by the ongoing market share gains from its FreeStyle Libre platform and the favorable effects of recent product launches, including Lingo, TriClip, and i-STAT.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • But whether the team would be confident elevating an interim replacement the way the Nats did with assistant GM Mike DeBartolo is not known.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • And for those stunning backless dresses that demand a bra-free look, nipple covers are your secret weapon for confident coverage.
    Caitlyn Martyn may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • First, as Paul points out, laboratory tests may not be conclusive or may appear normal, even when the patient is clearly experiencing abnormal symptoms.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 7 July 2025
  • Replay seemed to show LeMahieu getting in under Sánchez’s tag, but a lack of conclusive evidence led to the original call being upheld after a review.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • That additional Republican vote gave the bill 51 yeas, so Vice President JD Vance did not need to cast a vote to break a tie.
    Erin Doherty, CNBC, 29 June 2025
  • Now more than three yeas later, Ukraine’s war with Russia continues to rage.
    Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com/IdentityTheft 10.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025
  • The most important thing to consider when determining if a certain plant is a good match for hydrangeas is growing conditions.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Going into the conversation, Alicia wasn’t sure how Amelia would respond.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • One thing is for sure: This year’s Wimbledon final will feature two of the world’s top players, and fans should be thrilled with how the tournament has played out.
    Jess Bryant, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The video is generally crisp, though the limited frame rate (15 fps) is a definite weakness with moving subjects.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • The one that doesn’t have a definite endpoint and could yield some interesting negotiations is Wyatt Kaiser’s deal.
    Scott Powers, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • The three-year pro finished the win with 24 points on 8/10 shooting.
    Tony East, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • While his appearance ticks off a lifetime goal for Ackman, his foray into professional tennis was met with derision from fans of the sport, including journalists and former pros.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Positive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/positive. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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