AFFIRMATIVE Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

affirmative

noun

Definition of affirmative

as in approval

a vote or decision for something we have five affirmatives and two negatives for forming the committee

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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 affirmative Howard asked Nuñez, to which the FBI agent answered in the affirmative. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026 When asked if Brooks, who is coming off the second ACL surgery of his young career, would be available for the offseason program, Canales answered in the affirmative. — Mike Kaye march 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026 Lue replied when a reporter answered in the affirmative. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026 Deputy Superintendent Derald Davis answered in the affirmative and added that administrative support is being given to those staff members and/or the school site. — Connye Griffin, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for affirmative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for affirmative

Noun

Qatar supplied the money with Israel’s approval, even as Israeli officials publicly criticized Doha for financing Hamas, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
Despite high approval among conservative voters, Cruz’s two reelection campaigns attracted fierce challenges from Democrats, including a near loss in 2018 to former congressman Beto O’Rourke.

— Matthew Choi, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of approval

Noun

Another highlight was Oude Waag, where Yin Jingwei continued to fuel his work with the emotional journey through personal difficulty and the gradual acceptance of circumstances.

— Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Wayne State University psychology professor Hannah Schacter says changes during adolescence make teenagers unusually sensitive to acceptance and rejection, which is why being frozen out of a group chat can register as a real loss.

— Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of acceptance

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affirmations

affirmative

affirmatives

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“Affirmative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affirmative. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of affirmative

noun

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