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
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For many, Everlane represents the optimistic millennial ideal that consumers could shop their way to sustainability.—
Bella Webb,
Vogue,
22 May 2026
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The overall mood feels expressive, relaxed and optimistic, with clothing designed for movement, travel, modern summer living and, most importantly, fun.—
Alex Badia,
Footwear News,
22 May 2026
Noun
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Roberts, the relentless optimist, understands this.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
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Perkins still identifies as the optimist from 2022, albeit one tempered by realism.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Footwear News,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
Olson is hopeful that the city will slow down its plans and continue to come up with solutions that find a middle ground with the neighbors.—
Jeff Wagner,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
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With 2025 draft picks Jacob Parrish and Benjamin Morrison expected to compete for Dean’s outside corner position and Calijah Kancey hopeful of staying on the field after missing most of last season with a torn pectoral, the Bucs could look dramatically different.—
John Romano,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 May 2026
Noun
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He’s got the twinkly eye and the sly, gregarious spiritual ease of a Micawber or a Cheeryble.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
26 Feb. 2024
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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
Noun
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In the early 20th century, a group of idealists set out to build a road that would connect towns and showcase the raw beauty of the Columbia River Gorge.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Apr. 2026
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Gorton skillfully depicts the grueling decades-long struggle of Sanger (the icon, in this telling) and Dennett (the idealist) to make birth control available and legal, as well as their interpersonal competition for power and influence.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Meanwhile, her subtle smoky eye, washed liner and clumpy lashes embellished the moody undertones of her fashion, while her naked nails and rosy lips added a minimal twist.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
22 May 2026
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The suites all come with butlers; take the two-bedroom Piccadilly Suite with its cornflower blue, white and cream, and rich rosy accents.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
My favorite long shot is ‘Wonder Man,’ Marvel’s love letter to Hollywood dreams and dreamers.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2026
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Today, the American West isn’t drawing dreamers in search of wealth so much as the wealthy in search of a rougher dream.—
Spencer Elliott,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2026
Adjective
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Now 46, the singer draws inspiration from the music that inspired her, name-checking Prince and the Gap Band, for a spate of upbeat tunes dotted by glittery synths, pummeling 808s and plucky bass notes.—
Steven J. Horowitz,
Variety,
19 May 2026
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Take the latest widespread upbeat spin on the nation’s job market.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pollyanna.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Pollyanna. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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