positive
Usage
What are other ways to say positive?
The adjective positive implies emphatic certainty, which may even become overconfidence or dogmatism. Certain suggests that there are definite reasons that have freed one from doubt. Confident emphasizes the strength of the belief or the certainty of expectation felt. Sure, the simplest and most general term, expresses mere absence of doubt.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"This was not done 20 years ago. Now, I think athletes know about this, and I think this is also the reason why we see less and less positive doping control during the Olympics."
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026
Maybank maintains a positive rating on Malaysia’s construction sector.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
"Smaller studies in China have previously shown positive results in children, but this is the first time that the method has been tested in teenagers and adults, too," says Dr. Duan.
From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026
But the Southern California cub experienced a positive turn of fate when state wildlife officials rescued him last week and transported him to the Los Angeles Zoo for emergency treatment.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
Both false alarms and true warnings will be improved by knowing the difference between a bad day on the mountain and a positive signal that a volcano is on the brink of eruption.
From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
