as in optimistic
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as in optimist
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Recent Examples of Pollyanna
Rich Roll, Outside, 26 Aug. 2025
During the festival, those attending can enjoy a selection of beer, wine and cocktails from Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling, along with offerings from other local St. Charles breweries, according to the release.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
Your options aren’t only ‘cynical’ or ‘naïve’ The opposite of a cynic is a Pollyanna.
—Stav Ziv, CNBC, 24 June 2025
But isn’t the cynical explanation also the Pollyanna one?
—Maya Singer, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2025
Informed hope is not a Pollyanna attitude, but balancing the realities of the situation with the positive things people are doing.
—Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2024
Noun
Alexi’s tutu-twirling positivity should not be confused with Pollyanna, nor her quirky insights with naiveté.
—Rich Roll, Outside, 26 Aug. 2025
During the festival, those attending can enjoy a selection of beer, wine and cocktails from Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling, along with offerings from other local St. Charles breweries, according to the release.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
Your options aren’t only ‘cynical’ or ‘naïve’ The opposite of a cynic is a Pollyanna.
—Stav Ziv, CNBC, 24 June 2025
But isn’t the cynical explanation also the Pollyanna one?
—Maya Singer, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2025
Informed hope is not a Pollyanna attitude, but balancing the realities of the situation with the positive things people are doing.
—Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Pollyanna
Adjective
-
Workers who feel optimistic about AI’s effect on their careers report dramatically stronger workplace outcomes across engagement, effort, and intent to stay.—
Matt Rosenbaum,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
-
Her mindset immediately shifted from a sinking feeling to being optimistic about the future.—
Ayren Jackson-Cannady,
SELF,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Her family, from Pinar del Río, raised her to be an optimist that finds the best in every situation and the ability to maked people feel welcome.—
Sarah Moreno
May 31,
Miami Herald,
31 May 2026
-
But optimists are also right that AI has real promise.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
Too often, the Socceroos’ possession ended with hopeful balls forward or turnovers in difficult places.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
-
Decades later, their performances continue to resonate, reminding audiences why Mayberry still symbolizes a gentler, more hopeful vision of community life.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
He’s got the twinkly eye and the sly, gregarious spiritual ease of a Micawber or a Cheeryble.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
26 Feb. 2024
-
The smallest of the Micawber brood glides away in his baby carriage, because the bailiff is dragging the hallway carpet out from under the front door.—
Josephine Livingstone,
The New Republic,
16 Sep. 2020
Adjective
-
The best blushes for mature skin don’t just add a rosy wash of color.—
Jenny Berg,
Glamour,
29 May 2026
-
Other makeup elements, provided by artist Alex Babsky, included bold brows and lined eyes with a muted rosy lip.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Josh, who wants to be an investigative journalist, is an idealist in a PBS T-shirt (and with a PBS tote bag) who gets by on family money and is incapable of taking care of himself in any practical way.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
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Independent bookselling, rarely a way to get rich, is a meeting ground for idealists — for young people with a sense of mission, retirees embarking on a new life or middle-aged people no longer satisfied with their careers.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 May 2026
Adjective
-
Apple unveiled its new artificial intelligence software at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, and investors dropped the stock even as analysts were largely upbeat on the company's announcements.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
9 June 2026
-
People will be friendly and upbeat.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
While a Tudor home is full of character and embodies the whimsy dreamers are drawn to, Brutalist architecture's strength and purpose speak to those who value respect over charm.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 May 2026
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Home to innovators, entrepreneurs, immigrants, workers, artists, and dreamers from every corner of the globe.—
Adam Miller,
Daily News,
23 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pollyanna.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Pollyanna. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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