While there’s nothing wrong with being realistic, no one likes a Negative Neddy. This is where adjectives can help, giving you the right words to describe people, places, and things. Knowing your positive adjectives gives you the vocabulary to describe your charming friends, your passionate colleagues, and every stunning rainbow. A bigger personal vocabulary also improves your writing, so keep your eye on that silver lining.
List of Positive Attitude Adjectives
It’s not always easy keeping up a positive attitude, but building up your personal lexicon of positive attitude adjectives might help. You’ll begin to see yourself as more diligent, dynamic, or likable than you realize.
| Adjective | Definition | Synonyms |
| affectionate | having or showing fond feelings or tenderness | loving, adoring, fond |
| agreeable | pleasing or pleasant | pleasant, harmonious, amenable |
| amiable | friendly and agreeable in disposition | friendly, polite, kind |
| bright | intelligent | smart, intellectual |
| charming | highly pleasing or delightful | enchanting, fascinating |
| creative | characterized by originality and expressiveness | artistic, imaginative, inventive |
| determined | resolute, having made a firm decision | persistent, stubborn, single-minded |
| diligent | consistent in effort; pursued with persevering energy and attention | persistent, hard-working, industrious |
| diplomatic | having the ability to deal with situations or people in an effective, sensitive way | tactful, gracious, strategic |
| dynamic | full of energy and positive in attitude | charismatic, energetic, vital |
| energetic | showing great vitality and activity | vigorous, vivacious, lively |
| friendly | kind and pleasant; on good terms with | affable, companionable, amicable |
| funny | causing amusem*nt or laughter | hilarious, amusing, comical |
| generous | freely giving and sharing; unselfish | big-hearted, charitable, considerate |
| giving | caring; providing emotional support | generous, big-hearted, bountiful |
| gregarious | sociable; fond of being around others | affable, friendly, convivial |
| hardworking | working with great energy and concentration | industrious, diligent, zealous |
| helpful | useful; readily providing assistance | beneficent, supportive, accommodating |
| kind | having a good, generous, or friendly nature | affable, good, compassionate |
| likable | pleasant and easy to like | agreeable, friendly, amiable |
| loyal | giving constant faith and support to a person, nation, or institution | faithful, committed, devoted |
| patient | able to tolerate problems without complaint or anger | enduring, tolerant, forbearing |
| polite | showing good manners | courteous, civilized, cordial |
| sincere | free of deceit, falseness, or pretense | genuine, honest, heartfelt |
List of Positive Adjectives To Describe a Person
One of the few sure things in life is: People are incredibly diverse. You need words to describe people and their actions beyond just great. Whether you need to describe a blithesome sibling, upbeat friend, or your own stunning look today, it never hurts to expand your vocabulary of positive adjectives for people.
| Adjective | Definition | Synonyms |
| amazing | astonishing; instilling great wonder or surprise | astounding, stunning, fascinating |
| awesome | causing overwhelming feelings of admiration, reverence, or fear; impressive | amazing, awe-inspiring, outstanding |
| blithesome | having a cheerful disposition | lighthearted, carefree, gleeful |
| excellent | extremely good; having outstanding quality | wonderful, superior, exceptional |
| fabulous | exceptionally good; nearly unbelievable | wonderful, awesome, phenomenal |
| favorable | positive; expressing or characterized by approval | agreeable, supportive, encouraging |
| fortuitous | lucky; happening by chance or accident | accidental, unexpected, serendipitous |
| gorgeous | very attractive in appearance; beautiful | handsome, exquisite, good-looking |
| incredible | unbelievable; extraordinary | marvelous, inconceivable, amazing |
| unique | having no equal, one of a kind | singular, individual, unparalleled |
| mirthful | joyous, cheerful | merry, carefree, gleeful |
| outstanding | prominent; exceptionally good | superior, excellent, magnificent |
| perfect | beyond improvement; as close to the ideal as possible | flawless, faultless, impeccable |
| philosophical | calm, patient, or composed in light of disappointments; versed in philosophy | reflective, rational, profound |
| propitious | presenting favorable conditions; favorably inclined | auspicious, advantageous, promising |
| remarkable | extraordinary; worthy of notice | unusual, impressive, noteworthy |
| rousing | stirring, lively, vigorous | enthusiastic, spirited, chirpy |
| spectacular | characterized by an impressive display; thrilling or daring | awesome, breathtaking, dazzling |
| splendid | magnificent, gorgeous, superb | luxurious, excellent, illustrious |
| stellar | relating to the stars; exceptionally good | cosmic, outstanding, superior |
| stupendous | amazingly large; causing amazement | wonderful, fabulous, marvelous |
| super | of the highest degree; very good; of an extreme degree | great, magnificent, terrific |
| upbeat | happy and optimistic | cheerful, buoyant, rosy |
| stunning | causing astonishment or bewilderment; characterized by striking excellence or beauty | beautiful, gorgeous, dazzling |
| wondrous | marvelous, wonderful | astonishing, extraordinary, miraculous |
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Descriptive Positive Words for Personality Traits and Qualities
People have complex, nuanced personalities that exist beyond the binary of bad and good. With the right vocabulary, you can better describe the personality traits and qualities of your considerate friends and loving family, or you can write plucky, vivacious characters.
| Adjective | Definition | Synonyms |
| adept | very skilled | proficient, adroit, skillful |
| alluring | charming; very tempting or attractive | seductive, enticing, beguiling |
| ample | sufficient or more than enough | plentiful, abundant, bountiful |
| bountiful | giving generously; large in amount | abundant, plentiful, magnanimous |
| brave | ready and willing to face danger | courageous, fearless, valiant |
| breathtaking | thrilling or awe-inspiring in quality | amazing, heart-stopping, impressive |
| brilliant | shining brightly; having or displaying great intelligence or skill | dazzling, outstanding, astute |
| capable | having the power and ability to accomplish something | competent, able, adept |
| considerate | showing care and awareness of other people’s feelings | thoughtful, attentive, accommodating |
| courageous | not deterred by dangerous or fearful things | brave, bold, daring |
| dazzling | extremely bright, enough to blind temporarily; highly skilled, clever, or attractive | brilliant, glittering, sensational |
| elegant | gracefully refined; tasteful or luxurious in dress or style | chic, dignified, fashionable |
| enchanting | delightfully captivating and charming | alluring, beguiling, bewitching |
| faithful | true to one’s principles; remaining loyal | reliable, dependable, devoted |
| fearless | bold, brave, or intrepid | courageous, unafraid, daring |
| frank | direct in speech | unreserved, straightforward, matter-of-fact |
| gleaming | giving off light or brightness; radiant | shining, glistening, lustrous |
| glimmering | shining faintly or unsteadily | scintillating, dazzling, twinkling |
| glistening | shining with a sparkling light | glossy, lustrous, gleaming |
| glittering | shining with a shimmering or sparkling light | gleaming, glistening, twinkling |
| glowing | warmly favorable or praiseworthy; bright | enthusiastic, vibrant, flushed |
| humorous | causing laughter and amusem*nt | comical, funny, amusing |
| knowledgeable | well-informed or well-versed in specific topics | smart, educated, intelligent |
| lovely | exquisitely beautiful; pleasant or enjoyable | good-looking, delightful, adorable |
| loving | warmly affectionate | fond, caring, admiring |
| lustrous | luminous; brilliant | shining, glorious, glowing |
| magnificent | sublime; extraordinary; having exceptional size | wonderful, brilliant, grandiose |
| marvelous | superb, excellent; improbable or unbelievable | astonishing, awesome, fantastic |
| nice | pleasant in nature | agreeable, fair, friendly |
| optimistic | hopeful and confident about future events | positive, sanguine, cheerful |
| passionate | having intense emotions or strong feelings | ardent, enthusiastic, impassioned |
| persistent | lasting or enduring despite obstacles or opposition | determined, relentless, resolute |
| plucky | showing courage | brave, heroic, gutsy |
| proficient | competent or skilled in a craft or subject | able, adept, capable |
| ravishing | enchanting; extremely attractive | alluring, beautiful, gorgeous |
| romantic | characterized by the expression of love | amorous, sentimental, intimate |
| self-confident | trusting or secure in oneself | assertive, self-assured, composed |
| sensible | showing or possessing wisdom, prudence, or sound judgment | astute, reasonable, practical |
| sleek | smooth or glossy; graceful | shiny, silky, satin |
| sparkling | shining brightly with flashes of light | glinting, gleaming, brilliant |
| thoughtful | caring and considerate of others | mindful, gracious, tactful |
| twinkling | shining with a light that alternates between faint and bright | sparkling, flashing, shimmering |
| vivid | full of life; producing strong feelings | intense, powerful, evocative |
| vibrant | vigorous or energetic; stimulating | dynamic, vivacious, animated |
| vivacious | lively, spirited | active, animated, effervescent |
| warm-hearted | kind and sympathetic | kindhearted, selfless, affable |
| willing | readily given or done | prepared, agreeable, inclined |
| zestful | having great energy or enthusiasm | exhilarated, eager, vivacious |
List of Positive Adjectives for Your Resume
Your resume is a tool for selling yourself to a potential employer, which is hard to do when you’re just using words. Even if you’re fully qualified, the wrong words in your resume can send you back to scrolling through endless job listings. Sticking with some positive adjectives can help you land the interview, and they can be a great reminder that you’re an ambitious, devoted, and responsible employee.
Adjective | Definition | Synonyms |
adaptable | able to readily adjust to different conditions | flexible, versatile, resilient |
ambitious | having the desire to be successful or achieve goals | determined, goal-oriented, enterprising |
approachable | easy to talk to; accessible | friendly, affable, sociable |
competitive | having a strong desire to succeed in competition | aggressive, ambitious, cutthroat |
confident | having strong belief of assurance | sure, convinced, assured |
customer-focused | putting customers’ needs first | generous, giving, friendly |
devoted | extremely loyal | committed, devout, ardent |
educated | having experienced an education; characteristic of qualities of learning and culture | experienced, learned, knowledgeable |
efficient | achieving peak productivity with minimal waste of time and effort | capable, productive, adept |
fast-paced | moving or changing quickly | quick, hurried, expeditious |
flexible | adaptable; pliable | adjustable, responsive, amenable |
focused | characterized by close attention or concentration | absorbed, engaged, engrossed |
honest | fair; sincere; honorable | truthful, genuine, virtuous |
independent | thinking or acting for oneself; autonomous | self-reliant, self-sufficient, individualistic |
inquisitive | eager for knowledge, intellectually curious | analytical, questioning, intrigued |
insightful | showing a deep understanding | perceptive, astute, shrewd |
open-minded | open to new ideas | receptive, approachable, objective |
organized | orderly and efficient; having formed a labor union | arranged, coordinated, structured |
personable | having a pleasing personality | approachable, friendly, sociable |
productive | able to produce large amounts of goods or commodities | fruitful, constructive, efficient |
qualified | having traits and qualities necessary for a job | able, skillful, capable |
relaxed | not strict; free of tension or anxiety | easygoing, laid-back, nonchalant |
resourceful | able to skillfully overcome difficulties | creative, clever, quick-witted |
responsible | capable of being trusted; reliable or dependable | accountable, trustworthy, competent |
technological | proficient or knowledgeable about technology | tech-savvy |
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You’ve watched the latest movie, read the newest book, or caught up with the new season of your favorite show. All you can muster is “I liked it.” It’s time to expand your language horizons so you can talk about the engrossing plot, engaging characters, and powerful visuals like a true art critic.
| Adjective | Definition | Synonyms |
| engaging | charming and attractive; drawing favorable attention | captivating, appealing, inviting |
| engrossing | completely occupying one’s attention | absorbing, gripping, enthralling |
| captivating | capable of attracting and holding one’s interest | enchanting, engrossing, riveting |
| fantastic | extravagantly fanciful | awesome, sensational, imaginary |
| gripping | intensely holding one’s interest and attention | absorbing, engrossing, consuming |
| heartwarming | emotionally rewarding or satisfying | gratifying, heartening, inspiring |
| hilarious | extremely amusing, merry | comical, amusing, uproarious |
| imaginative | showing creativity or inventiveness | fanciful, artistic, whimsical |
| moving | evoking strong feelings | touching, affecting, poignant |
| powerful | evoking a strong effect on thoughts or feelings | compelling, persuasive, impressive |
| spellbinding | holding one’s thoughts or feelings as though by a magic spell | enchanting, entrancing, bewitching |
| thought-provoking | stimulating attention or careful consideration | provocative, intriguing, inspiring |
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Sentence Examples Using Positive Adjectives
Now that you know some positive adjectives, it’s a good idea to learn how to use them properly in your regular conversations and writing. It can help you be more open-minded and optimistic.
- The movie was so hilarious that I could hardly breathe from laughing so hard.
- The parents were thankful that the spellbindingpuppet show kept the children’s attention.
- I promise that the story about creating the world’s most perfect cheeseburger is more gripping than you think.
- Even though he tended to be independent, he wasn’t afraid to ask for help when he really needed it.
- The confident puppy dove headfirst into the swimming pool.
- We were all out of breath by the time we hit the peak of the mountain, but it was worth it for the breathtaking scenery.
- The moving tribute to pizza left everyone in the theater close to tears.
- The whole crowd applauded after the dazzling fireworks display.
- Despite his cold, grumpy exterior, he was actually quite warm-hearted once you got to know him.
- The resourceful camper was able to start a fire and cook dinner with just some aluminum foil and a sock.
- His vivacious nature helped to keep up everyone’s spirits.
- The team’s competitive drive helped them win out against the competition.
- The book was so engrossing that she didn’t even realize her friend was talking to her.
- It was such a lovely day that absolutely nothing could bother them.
- The devoted customer refused to shop elsewhere, even after the increase in the price of bananas.
- The bird’s persistent foraging helped the babies grow strong.
- The car had ample room for all their groceries, a bike, and a box full of encyclopedias.
- Her vivid imagination as a child is part of what led to her becoming an artist.
- The soda’s unique flavor tasted like a mix of guavas and cheese.
- Her gregarious nature made it easy for her to find friends in the new city.
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Other Words To Help Keep Things Positive
Positivity is contagious, and the words you use play a role in that. Now that your mind has an ample supply of positive adjectives, it’s time to expand with a whole host of other positive parts of speech. Building up your vocabulary can help you develop more thought-provoking writing and conversation, and it can give you a leg up on your favorite word games.
- Positive Words That Start With “A”
- Positive Words for Evaluating Employees
- Words That Describe a Good Friendship
