1
as in favorable
expressing approval
hoped for a positive reaction from the audience
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in confident
having or showing a mind free from doubt
I'm positive that this is the right direction
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in conclusive
not capable of being challenged or proved wrong
seeks positive proof that UFO's exist
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Try This Instead
Try This InsteadFor
Try This
positive feedback
a positive effect
a positive attitude
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
Jordan Greene, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Research backs up the fact that positive self-talk can help with emotional regulation: A 2020 study found a positive relationship between self-talk and coping with the stress of having an illness.
—Caitlin Carlson, SELF, 28 Apr. 2025
Valerie Trapp, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025
Jones is a big, strong, tough, and surprisingly raw prospect considering his premium experience against SEC talent, but a move inside might help negate his flaws (handling speed rushers) while accentuating his positives (heavy hands), potentially unlocking Pro Bowl upside.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for positive
Adjective
For the mom, the craziest thing about it is that she's never seen that many kind, positive comments under a video in her life.
—Jordan Greene, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Research backs up the fact that positive self-talk can help with emotional regulation: A 2020 study found a positive relationship between self-talk and coping with the stress of having an illness.
—Caitlin Carlson, SELF, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
And although offal may never become as ubiquitous as muscle meat in American diets, more people eating organ meats could come with some positives.
—Valerie Trapp, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025
Jones is a big, strong, tough, and surprisingly raw prospect considering his premium experience against SEC talent, but a move inside might help negate his flaws (handling speed rushers) while accentuating his positives (heavy hands), potentially unlocking Pro Bowl upside.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for positive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for positive
Adjective
-
Weekly, relative strength and seasonality are both favorable.—
Bill Sarubbi,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Conditions are favorable for the development of weak, brief funnel clouds.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
And over the opening month of this season, Yamamoto’s confident mound presence has been mirrored behind the scenes, the pitcher becoming more vocal in game-planning meetings and assured in his clubhouse demeanor.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Both Roseman and Sirianni were confident that Mukuba could deliver the same blows in the NFL despite being undersized.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Estimates of people with other arrhythmias are less conclusive, but in general, people with arrhythmias are at higher risk of having heart attacks or strokes and dying early, Pell said.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
17 Apr. 2025
-
While some studies have found potential associations—often at higher-than-recommended levels—experts caution that the evidence is mixed and not conclusive.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
One is public employees who receive pensions that are exempt from Social Security payroll taxes, but who also worked at least 10 yeas in jobs that required them to pay into the system.—
Maya C. Miller,
New York Times,
21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The forthcoming rain was good news for crews battling a wildfire in central New Jersey that erupted on April 22 and has consumed 12,250 acres.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Okay, top-10 best movie entrance of all time for Blake Lively.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Acharya can’t be entirely sure, but there’s no evidence an actual human being, much less any sort of expert on vaccines or shingles, reviewed her grant proposal or assessed her work.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Give me a little more sense of rivalry, competitiveness and, sure, bad blood.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But despite definite similarities between Bono and Peters’ vocal styles, the Alarm’s music was less anthemic and centered more around acoustic guitars.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Your ideal clients want someone who stands for something definite.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Before the big day, come equipped with must-know moving expertise from real estate pros.—
Caitlin Sole,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 May 2025
-
No matter what causes your contact lens to suddenly become MIA, here’s how to handle the situation like a pro.—
Amy Marturana Winderl,
SELF,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Positive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/positive. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share