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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
Social media often lacks the nuance of reality, and there will be positives and negatives to Madueke’s move from the perspective of both clubs. Art De Roché, New York Times, 10 July 2025 Initial positives include its quiet, counter-friendly design, straightforward controls and setup process, and its BPA-free materials. Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Noun
So obviously the word of mouth is very positive both here and everywhere else. Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 20 July 2025 Immediately after the Thursday session, Engelbert tried to sound a positive note in comments to the Associated Press. Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 19 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for positive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for positive
Adjective
  • Brussels has exempted defense expenditure from its strict rules on government spending and pledged to create a €150 billion fund from which countries can borrow, at favorable interest rates, to invest in their defense.
    Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 21 July 2025
  • Mahaney’s estimates are based on favorable industry checks for consumer demand trends, third-party data checks, and Evercore’s non-deal roadshows (NDR) with UBER management.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • Experts are over 14 times more likely than light users to apply AI across all three phases and are twice as confident in the quality of their output.
    Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • While there are some things for the Lions to overcome this season, Newton is confident in their ability to do so.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • According to a comprehensive account by David Makovsky in The New Yorker, the agents extracted conclusive evidence from Othman’s computer: Syria was secretly building a plutonium reactor, Al Kibar, with help from North Korea.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
  • To date, there is no conclusive evidence that tattoos cause skin cancer; however, researchers are investigating whether there could be a link.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • At its peak, Armco, which owned Middletown's steel company for almost 90 yeas, was the town's biggest employer.
    Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • The cocktails are classic and the wine list is so good that it's been lauded by Wine Spectator magazine.
    Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 31 July 2025
  • Despite that, the Lyriq-V’s looks, comfort and features are as good as anything on the road.
    Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • Not sure how to get around Austin for the MLS All-Star match?
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 24 July 2025
  • The two hooked up during a spring break trip to Cabo, Mexico — a moment that’s sure to stir up drama as season 3 unfolds.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • The city offers little in the way of culinary variety — a definite downside for food lovers seeking new and exciting options, according to the study.
    Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 22 July 2025
  • This in itself makes a refreshing change from the usual baffling Marvel McGuffin, and even though the outcome is wholly predictable, there’s a definite frisson in the sight of The Herald’s liquid-metal hand trying to snatch Sue’s baby from the womb.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • Unfortunately, that opportunity doesn't extend to LIV Golf pros.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
  • Enter Bartender’s Pantry, from a multi-award-winning crew of hospitality pros and writers.
    Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Positive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/positive. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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