POSITIVE Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

positive 1 of 2

adjective

ˈpä-zə-tiv

Definition of positive next

as in favorable

expressing approval hoped for a positive reaction from the audience

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in confident

having or showing a mind free from doubt I'm positive that this is the right direction

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in conclusive

not capable of being challenged or proved wrong seeks positive proof that UFO's exist

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

positive

2 of 2

noun

as in yea

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Try This Instead

For

Try This

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

Also last month, Los Angeles County's public health department confirmed two cats tested positive for bird flu after drinking raw milk from the Raw Farm dairy in California's Central Valley. —

Sarah Boden, NPR, 22 Jan. 2025 Aside from the Louisiana patient, all the individuals who tested positive for H5N1 recovered quickly and never needed to be hospitalized. —

Emily Mullin, WIRED, 22 Jan. 2025

Noun

If the grandchild is important to them, Wife may want to go through the motions and look for the positives (and possibly even changes) in the new mother, while still being a bit wary. —

R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2025 Much like Thomas, Rush recognizes most of the positives of her job, which is what keeps her there despite all of the job hopping data out there. —

Jasmine Browley, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for positive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for positive

Adjective

Elon Musk doesn’t miss an opportunity to take a dig at OpenAI — even when the news item in question is supposed to be favorable to President Trump.

— Chris Welch, The Verge, 22 Jan. 2025
Picture a future where devices not only interpret your words but also recognize emotional cues, adapt to your preferences, anticipate needs and support you in creating favorable outcomes at home or work.

— Thorsten Zander, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025