af·fir·ma·tive
ə-ˈfər-mə-tiv 
1
: asserting that the fact is so
gave an affirmative answer
affirmative proof
2
: positive
an affirmative approach
3
: favoring or supporting a proposition or motion
an affirmative vote
was on the affirmative side in the debate
4
logic
: asserting a predicate of a subject
affirmatively
adverb
responded affirmatively
1
: an expression (such as the word yes) of affirmation or assent
2
: the side that upholds the proposition stated in a debate
3
logic
: an affirmative (see affirmative entry 1 sense 4) proposition
Synonyms
Examples of affirmative in a Sentence
Adjective
She gave an affirmative answer, not a negative answer.
Noun
we have five affirmatives and two negatives for forming the committee
Recent Examples on the Web
Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 25 Aug. 2024
Von … is just so committed to not having an affirmative set of information and beliefs.
—Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2024
al, 11 Feb. 2023
The answer, to my mind, is a resounding affirmative.
—Arthur Knight, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Aug. 2022
See all Example Sentences for affirmative 
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.
Adjective
While Notre Dame’s roster has holes — its first-choice offensive line may return six career starts and start freshman Anthonie Knapp at left tackle — the Irish have answered almost every other offseason question in the affirmative.
—Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 25 Aug. 2024
Von … is just so committed to not having an affirmative set of information and beliefs.
—Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2024
Noun
The weather might not have been the best, but for anyone looking for reassurance that Mardi Gras was going to stay weird in 2023, the evening provided an energetic affirmative.
—al, 11 Feb. 2023
The answer, to my mind, is a resounding affirmative.
—Arthur Knight, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Aug. 2022
See all Example Sentences for affirmative
Dictionary Entries Near affirmative
Cite this Entry
“Affirmative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affirmative. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
affirmative
1 of 2 adjective
af·fir·ma·tive
ə-ˈfər-mət-iv
1
: declaring that the fact is so
gave an affirmative answer
2
: being positive or helpful
take an affirmative approach
affirmatively
adverb
affirmative
2 of 2 noun1
: an expression (as the word yes) of agreement
2
: the affirmative side in a debate or vote
Legal Definition
affirmative
adjective
af·fir·ma·tive
ə-ˈfər-mə-tiv
1
: asserting the existence of certain facts especially in support of a cause of action
affirmative proof
2
: resulting from an intentional act
affirmative concealment
3
: involving or requiring application of effort
an affirmative duty
4
: favoring or supporting a proposition or motion
an affirmative vote
affirmatively
adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share