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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
  • Some critics argue that development should be left to private markets, warning that favorable financing can distort competition or create dependency.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 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
  • Cline, who plays the confident queen bee Danica Richards, is currently single.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • The forensic evidence was so conclusive that the case settled for a fraction of the initial demand, saving millions in potential damages.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • So Professor Thackeray, being a smart and thorough scientist, decided to obtain conclusive proof.
    Sam Kelly July 8, Literary Hub, 8 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
  • Chef-owner Miguel Angel Jimenez is well worth consulting for the night’s specials and a wine from the impressively deep good list.
    John Mariani, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • But that wasn’t enough for a gambler who watched him best Paul Skenes.
    Maria Torres, New York Times, 15 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
  • But undeterred, the multi-hyphenate took the moment in stride and kept going like a pro.
    Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 24 July 2025
  • Unfortunately, that opportunity doesn't extend to LIV Golf pros.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 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 29 Jul. 2025.

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