positive 1 of 2

1
2
3

positive

2 of 2

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
The theater’s leaders say that there is no question that’s a positive. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025 Speaking to Deadline, Sister Group COO and CFO Chris Fry focused on the positive. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
But a positive test on the results might require a follow-up colonoscopy. Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 12 Oct. 2025 Guthrie shared some of her own tips for maintaining a healthy and positive daily attitude at last year’s gala. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for positive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for positive
Adjective
  • Begin mapping out the end of the season, identifying favorable matchups to exploit.
    Andy Behrens, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The orders come at a literal higher cost, but until POKS can establish partnerships with more favorable retailers, Amazon is its best and only option.
    Mara Weinraub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But how confident can people be after watching the Bills lose to the Patriots and Atlanta Falcons in such putrid, sloptastic fashion twice in a row in prime time?
    Tim Graham, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Be forwarded thinking, fiscally confident in budgets, and supportive of staff and loves Matthews.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The initial analysis, concluded on August 8, 2025, confirmed the skull was that of an adult, but could not provide further conclusive information.
    Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 17 Oct. 2025
  • That means kimchi's beneficial bacteria could potentially offset the hypertensive effects of sodium, although the research is not conclusive.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 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
  • Running back Chase Brown had his best game of the year on the ground, rushing for 108 yards on just 11 carries against the Pittsburgh defense.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Arkansas’ best offense in a decade is being wasted by a defense that is shaping up to be one of the worst in program history.
    Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • One requirement, for sure, is to learn how to effectively delegate.
    Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The Indiana people who have helped the Hoosiers secure their own roster can now say for sure that their program has leveled up several times over.
    Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Gaining more plants is a definite bonus.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Riley did not have definite updates on Sanders’ and Jordan’s health after the game.
    Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • His slashing playing style caught Lorch’s eye at a tournament in the summer of 1991, and the 13-year-old was soon on a plane with future pros Erick Barkley and Stephon Marbury to an event in Arizona.
    Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Why Paying More Miles Was Worth It Points pros might wince at using KrisFlyer for all segments when Star Alliance partner programs like Air Canada Aeroplan or United MileagePlus can price lower.
    Chris Dong, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Positive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/positive. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on positive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!