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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
Program professionals or therapists will work with young people and their families to develop strategies that promote positive behavior and reduce the likelihood of re-offending. Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2025 Some positive news arrived Friday when the government reported that hiring accelerated in March, with 228,000 jobs added, though the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2%, from 4.1%. Time, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
Stating in his Chinese Grand Prix preview for the upcoming race weekend in Shanghai, the Mercedes chief stressed many positives to take from Melbourne, where key rivals such as Red Bull and Ferrari struggled for pace and traction, while both Mercedes drivers finished in the top five. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 An 810-acre solar farm with a lithium battery storage system is coming to the Granbury area, and despite the positives that accompany such developments, some residents in Hood County are raising alarm bells. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for positive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for positive
Adjective
  • The assumption is the Wolves won’t be able to do that in each of their final five games, even with one of the league’s most favorable remaining schedules.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Negotiate favorable purchase prices, set competitive rental rates and minimize vacancy periods through effective property management.
    Ryan Barone, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Jean looked confident and composed in dispatching the much more experienced Berkhamov.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The Trump Administration, however, remains confident in its approach.
    Nik Popli, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Nor is there any conclusive evidence on dosing and timing for supplements.
    Sarah Anzlovar, MS, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Stone, as he's done before without providing conclusive evidence, took aim at the Central Intelligence Agency.
    Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 1 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
  • On the bright side, healthy lifestyle choices, such as a good diet and regular exercise, offer even greater heart health protection for women.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 2 Apr. 2025
  • God bless iconic events for granting my fourth (and perhaps best) film a religious re-release!
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But Roselli says one thing’s for sure: More than one person was involved in their disappearance.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
  • There is a fear that this settlement will ultimately lead to a dramatic reduction in spots available, although no one knows for sure.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But there are definite positives for Tsunoda to take before going to Bahrain next week.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • While some bags can go in the washer, the dryer is a definite no-go for bags unless they're made of 100% cotton.
    Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Stewart, like most people involved in wrestling today, grew up watching pros like Ric Flair, The Undertaker and André the Giant on TV.
    Karri Peifer, Axios, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Ainsworth and Trimble both stress that the torpedo bats are tuned to the specifications of individual players, similar to how golf pros work with equipment manufacturers for their clubs.
    Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Positive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/positive. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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