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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
The Timberwolves see it as a positive. Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025 Washington State lost the Apple Cup in decisive fashion Saturday evening but found its starting quarterback in the process — a tradeoff that probably stands as a net positive for the Cougars and first-year coach Jimmy Rogers. Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Sep. 2025
Noun
Notably, Madison Square Garden Sports shares have seen positive moves in the past three years in response to a boost in third-party valuations. Sean Conlon, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2025 The positive, however, is that Luka Doncic finished Friday night’s game without any limitations and appeared in great spirits afterward. Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for positive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for positive
Adjective
  • Rutgers-Eagleton’s mid-October survey mirrored that trend, finding 42 percent of voters viewed Sherrill favorably and 45 percent unfavorably, while Ciattarelli’s numbers were 41 percent favorable and 47 percent unfavorable.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Pics such as Gladiator and series including Game of Thrones have shot there, taking advantage of the favorable tax rebate system and production hubs.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As a direct result of this, businesses end up with managers who aren’t confident in their ability to lead, and who struggle to deal with the various challenges that come with managing people, leading both employees and struggling managers to resign.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
  • In fact, Golden State was feeling so confident that their television network decided to take a playful jab at Lakers superstar LeBron James.
    Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Researchers further explain that the discovery of microscopic deformation features in quartz provides conclusive proof that the Jinlin crater was formed by an asteroid impact.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Advertisement What the NFL changed to reduce injuries In recent years, as research about CTE has become more conclusive, some sports leagues have begun to concede that head impacts are a problem.
    Alana Semuels, Time, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But the topic has been raised in recent yeas as SpaceX and other companies fill Earth’s orbit with satellites.
    Senior Reporter, PC Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Sure, word warfare can nudge us on some issues – like yea or nay on a state infrastructure initiative or a county sales tax or a school district bond.
    Sarah Stein Lubrano, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Non-perishable items or foods that last a long time in the fridge can be good options.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The baby, who initially made good progress after the surgery, died 20 days later.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There was a world around Liverpool, sure, but there was a real community in the Village that was about more than just music.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Save as a collection on MyRecipes Not sure what to serve for dinner tonight?
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ares a very high 71%+ definite recommend, the 18-24 set gave it the lowest of any demographic at 44%.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025
  • His father, who was a traveling salesman and former amateur goalkeeper, carried definite expectations, Klopp added.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Here’s everything to know about Chelsea Freeman and her relationship with the MLB pro.
    Emily Krauser, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • But things are starting to change for the strong-willed PGA Tour pro.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Positive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/positive. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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