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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
Researchers noted the positive effects of ecstatic epilepsy and synthesized fifty-three theoretical models of delusion. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 22 May 2025 The results show that Rasmus has tested positive for paternity — but the match is only 24.1%. Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 22 May 2025
Noun
Nobody can answer that question with certainty, even if the easing U.S.-China trade tensions and the flurry of business deals announced this week during Trump’s Mideast tour are positives for market sentiment right now. Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 16 May 2025 The main positive of course is that Emma is still with us. Kc Baker, People.com, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for positive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for positive
Adjective
  • The pressure to deliver favorable outcomes for clients can lead to chronic stress and anxiety.
    Raquel Gomes, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • And to make matters even more favorable for Indiana, the Knicks looked a little worn out.
    Shakeia Taylor, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Sitting in the Birmingham High bleachers wearing headphones before running the 400 meters at the City Section track and field prelims, 17-year-old senior Nathan Santa Cruz looks like a teenager comfortable and confident.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
  • This is confident cooking that’s nuanced and purposefully understated.
    Andy Wang, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Perhaps the most conclusive evidence assembled has been the 800 page report and interactive digital platform by experts at Forensic Architecture.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 15 May 2025
  • The filmmakers are never conclusive about Enzo’s burgeoning sexuality nor his plans for the future, and that’s clearly by design.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Also, unlike the debate over eight vs. nine conference games, the play-in weekend doesn’t have a set of yeas and nays.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • Lions and Vikes are known for offense — who would have believed a few yeas ago that Jared Goff vs. Sam Darnold would be a marquee duel?
    Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, eating and preparing them may simply entail extra care and adherence to best food safety practices.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • The film topped Entertainment Weekly's 2022 list of Tom Cruise-starring projects ranked by grade, and came in just behind Born on the Fourth of July as containing Cruise's all-time best screen performance.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Grand Canyon's a big day, for sure, but this was completely out of the blue.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 24 May 2025
  • But one thing's for sure: these moms continue to captivate.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • There’s a definite purity-politics flavor to any suggestion that people should take a moral stand and leave a social network, but also a pretty airtight case to be made for boycotting it.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025
  • Having an outdoor dog or cat creates a definite warning for rabbits to stay away.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Here’s how a horrific ski accident taught me the value of an insurance pro.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • The full cast of celebrities and pros will be announced at a later date.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Positive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/positive. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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