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Definition of positivenext
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positive

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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
Doctors have warned that, despite negative tests, patients could still test positive later, which is why CDC officials are encouraging passengers quarantined in hospitals to remain there through the virus’s full incubation period of 42 days. Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 15 May 2026 Market changes on the studio lots Similar to SPT, Fraser argues market change is leading to positive outcomes. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Noun
Here, Creasy’s brutality is framed as a positive. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2026 That’s why this feels like a net positive for college basketball and an unresolved question for the sport at the same time. C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for positive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for positive
Adjective
  • Some time later, a colleague convinced him to rein in his gland reductions, arguing that the glands could instead be moved into a more favorable position by adjusting the platysma using a specific technique.
    Jolene Edgar, Allure, 14 May 2026
  • The lawsuit argues that allowing such a transfer could create incentives for states to enrich a president in hopes of favorable federal treatment.
    Abby Dodge, CBS News, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Creating pieces that make women feel comfortable and confident through every stage of motherhood has always been at the core of Bumpsuit.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
  • Silver benefits from both ‘risk-on’ and ‘risk-off’ environments ‘Risk-on’ describes markets where investors feel confident and chase growth.
    Sharon Wu, USA Today, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • This finale was written before the cancellation of Gen V, so a conclusive ending was not written for them, hence the future storylines this will set up.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
  • No Americans have had a conclusive positive test result.
    Erika Edwards, NBC news, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • During his four varsity seasons, Thompson has helped create a championship environment for the Warriors, including an Elite Eight appearance two yeas ago.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • He was sentenced to death for the May 2013 killings of 30-yea-rold Roxann Sanchez and her son Anthony Figueroa at their apartment in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth suburb of Bedford.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Guests don’t even need to leave the Torre Virreyes building to dine at a few other top restaurants in the area, including the aforementioned Carmela y Sal, which has one of the city’s best tasting menus.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • Shohei Ohtani also put together good at-bats.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • For a successful but not world-conquering rapper like Rashad, making a living relies on making sure that fans continue to feel connected to him.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • Make sure you guys get your news from reputable sources!
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Meeks said there was a definite measure of satisfaction derived from the project.
    Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • From one set of perspectives, money is said to be a thing that exists in a definite quantity—ideally gold, but now bits on a computer; ensuring that the right amount of money exists is the only way to avoid a host of macro-economic problems.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Goalrilla basketball hoop pros The largest advantage that Goalrilla basketball hoops have over competitors is the durability and overall quality.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • Film industry pros, for example, from actors and animators to editors and even location scouts, have expressed concern about AI one day putting them out of work — fears that were front and center in the mass strikes that shut down Hollywood productions in 2023.
    Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Positive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/positive. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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