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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
But this week Johnson was able to tout the pardon power in a more positive light with football greats such as Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Nate Newton, who was sentenced to 30 months in prison in 2002 after he was arrested with 175 pounds of marijuana in the trunk of his car near Dallas. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026 To make matters worse, federal funding for Brand USA, the national destination marketing organization, was cut deeply in mid-2025, leading to staff shortages that have reduced the country’s capacity to counter negative sentiment through positive promotion. Frédéric Dimanche, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
Like his fellow surviving member of the Dead, Kreutzmann, Hart accentuated the positive, and the light-hearted. Ben Fong-Torres, Rolling Stone, 18 Jan. 2026 Starmer continues to emphasize the positive. Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for positive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for positive
Adjective
  • Another option would be converting a pair of their two-way players to team-favorable standard contracts, perhaps Myron Gardner and Jahmir Young, and then backfilling their two-way spots, with two-way players allowed to be signed until March 4.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The pick coming back to Denver will be the least favorable of the Clippers’ and Hawks’ second-rounders this year.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Couples should feel confident asserting their expectations, knowing the photographer will be their sole source of images from the ceremony.
    Nikita Khanna, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2026
  • That extra power makes the Corolla Cross Hybrid a noticeably more enjoyable and confident drive.
    Adam Ismail, The Drive, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • On the other hand, research on how strongly protein, red meat, saturated fat and dairy are linked with chronic disease risk is much less conclusive.
    Michael I Goran, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Florida law makes grand jury proceedings secret, so the silence isn’t conclusive.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Holding the line O'Neill will likely hold the line, drawing on more than two-and-a-half decades of experience in the oil and gas industry, including 23 yeas at U.S. giant ExxonMobil.
    Tasmin Lockwood,Michael Considine, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2025
  • But in 1984, a menace to Yuletide morality yea more dire than Starbucks holiday cups stirred vociferous objections.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 11 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, makeup artists think spring breakers will pack their best cushion-y, cloud lips instead of their icy alternatives.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Kansas City figured its best sales pitch centered on its facilities and its location in the heart of America.
    Sam McDowell Updated February 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • He is most known for catch opposing point guards off-guard with steals from behind in the back court, a move sure to elicit a raucous, standing ovation when performed for the first time in front of the Madison Square Garden faithful.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Both of our experts say this is a for-sure area to clean at least once a month.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Currently, Scream 7 is great with the 17-34 bunch and multicultural audiences across definite interest and first choice.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026
  • There's a definite need to take a look at systemic safety on our roadways.
    Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Scottie Scheffler was asked to build a basketball starting five consisting of fellow PGA pros during Wednesday’s WM Phoenix Open Pro-Am.
    Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Ice hockey players to watch include pros Charlie McAvoy, Jack Eichel, Quinn Hughes, Brady Tkachuk, Matthew Tkachuk and Auston Matthews.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Positive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/positive. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on positive

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