Another Word for Positive: 17 Synonyms with Examples
“Positive” has several senses: hopeful, certain, good or greater than zero. Choosing the precise sense avoids vagueness.
As an adjective: hopeful and confident
- optimistic
- hopeful
- upbeat
- confident
- cheerful
- constructive
- encouraging
As an adjective: completely sure
- certain
- sure
- convinced
- confident
- definite
- assured
As an adjective: good or favourable
- favourable
- good
- beneficial
- helpful
- encouraging
- promising
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- optimistic
- Expects good things to happen; about attitude.
- upbeat
- Informal and cheerful in tone.
- certain
- Means completely sure, with no doubt left.
- favourable
- For reviews, conditions or results that are good for someone.
- encouraging
- Gives hope or confidence that things will improve.
Example sentences
- optimistic: The doctors are optimistic about her recovery.
- upbeat: The mood in the office was upbeat after the launch.
- certain: I'm certain I locked the door.
- favourable: The play received favourable reviews.
- encouraging: The early results are encouraging.
Opposite of positive
- negative
- pessimistic
- doubtful
- unfavourable
- neutral
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “positive”. Check the meaning before you use one.
adjective: plus, confirming
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “positive”?
The most useful alternatives are “optimistic”, “hopeful”, “upbeat”, “confident”, “cheerful”. For the main sense (hopeful and confident), “optimistic” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “optimistic” and “upbeat”?
optimistic: Expects good things to happen; about attitude. upbeat: Informal and cheerful in tone.
What is the opposite of “positive”?
Common antonyms are “negative”, “pessimistic”, “doubtful”, “unfavourable”, “neutral”.