Positive words, A to Z
Every entry carries a plain definition, a sentence using it, and the tone it carries.
4,633 entries26 shown here, one per letterEvery one of them is on its letter page.
One from every letter
Lasting for a long time with steady strength.
Example for Abiding, the opening specimen for A
Their abiding friendship survived distance and changing careers.
The full entry for AbidingA person who gives practical or financial support.
Example for Backer, the opening specimen for B
A longtime backer funded the theater's accessible entrance.
The full entry for BackerPeaceful, steady, and not overwhelmed by strong emotion.
Example for Calm, the opening specimen for C
Her calm reply gave everyone space to think.
The full entry for CalmNeat, stylish, and well dressed.
Example for Dapper, the opening specimen for D
The dapper host wore a bright tie for the celebration.
The full entry for DapperEnthusiastic and ready to begin or learn.
Example for Eager, the opening specimen for E
The eager apprentices arrived early to prepare their tools.
The full entry for EagerFamous and admired through stories told over time.
Example for Fabled, the opening specimen for F
The hikers finally reached the valley's fabled blue lake.
The full entry for FabledWilling and ready to try something difficult or unfamiliar.
Example for Game, the opening specimen for G
Rina was game for the longer route despite the early start.
The full entry for GameDirectly involved in practical work or learning.
Example for Hands-on, the opening specimen for H
The hands-on workshop let every student build a simple radio.
The full entry for Hands-onA person widely admired for lasting influence or achievement.
Example for Icon, the opening specimen for I
The pioneering singer became an icon for young performers.
The full entry for IconA person capable at many different kinds of work.
Example for Jack-of-all-trades, the opening specimen for J
Our jack-of-all-trades repaired the shelf and tuned the piano.
The full entry for Jack-of-all-tradesEager, perceptive, or strongly interested.
Example for Keen, the opening specimen for K
The keen volunteers learned the new process quickly.
The full entry for KeenRelaxed, easygoing, and not easily troubled by pressure.
Example for Laid-back, the opening specimen for L
The laid-back host gave everyone time to settle in.
The full entry for Laid-backA skilled performer who creates wonder through illusion.
Example for Magician, the opening specimen for M
The magician delighted the children with a graceful card trick.
The full entry for MagicianA person or institution cherished for exceptional cultural value.
Example for National treasure, the opening specimen for N
The beloved children's author became a national treasure over six decades.
The full entry for National treasureFair and guided by facts rather than personal preference.
Example for Objective, the opening specimen for O
An objective reviewer compared every proposal against the same criteria.
The full entry for ObjectiveShowing thorough care and close attention to detail.
Example for Painstaking, the opening specimen for P
Painstaking research restored the names on the weathered memorial.
The full entry for PainstakingHaving the knowledge, skill, or experience needed for a role.
Example for Qualified, the opening specimen for Q
A qualified electrician inspected the damaged wiring.
The full entry for QualifiedA gifted person who tells stories with wit and skill.
Example for Raconteur, the opening specimen for R
The raconteur held the dinner guests spellbound with one lively tale.
The full entry for RaconteurA person respected for wisdom and sound judgment.
Example for Sage, the opening specimen for S
The village sage listened carefully before offering advice.
The full entry for SageCareful to be honest without causing needless offense.
Example for Tactful, the opening specimen for T
Her tactful correction kept the meeting accurate and respectful.
The full entry for TactfulReady to act or speak despite possible fear or risk.
Example for Unafraid, the opening specimen for U
Unafraid to ask for help, Mara found the support she needed.
The full entry for UnafraidA graduating student honored for outstanding academic achievement.
Example for Valedictorian, the opening specimen for V
The valedictorian thanked every teacher who supported the class.
The full entry for ValedictorianAlert, attentive, and fully awake.
Example for Wakeful, the opening specimen for W
The wakeful guard noticed the first signs of smoke.
The full entry for WakefulA distinctive quality that gives someone or something special appeal or effectiveness.
Example for X-factor, the opening specimen for X
Her ability to make complex ideas clear was the team's x-factor.
The full entry for X-factorFlexible and willing to accommodate others.
Example for Yielding, the opening specimen for Y
A yielding approach helped both neighbors find a fair boundary.
The full entry for YieldingAmusingly unconventional, lively, or playful.
Example for Zany, the opening specimen for Z
The zany costume made the parade crowd laugh.
The full entry for Zany
Every letter, and what it holds
251 entries on E9 on XThis is the honest supply, not a sample.
By part of speech
By tone
Tone is how a word lands, not how strong it is. Eight labels, and most entries carry two.What tone and register mean.