Pollyanna 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of Pollyannanext
as in optimistic

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Pollyanna

2 of 2

noun

as in optimist

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of Pollyanna
Noun
Chris Howe directed the hour, with Gilligan exec producing alongside David Geli and Pollyanna McGirr. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2026 Despite his on-screen demise, Burke — who shares daughter Bluesy LaRue Burke with ex-wife Pollyanna Rose — has learned a lot about parenting from his character. — Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025 Burke was previously married to actress Pollyanna Rose, per the Los Angeles Times. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025 Alexi’s tutu-twirling positivity should not be confused with Pollyanna, nor her quirky insights with naiveté. — Rich Roll, Outside, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Pollyanna
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Pollyanna
  1. optimistic
  2. optimist
  3. hopeful
  4. Micawber
  5. rosy
  6. idealist
  7. upbeat
  8. dreamer
Adjective
  • Democrats’ hopes rise in Texas Democrats are feeling newly optimistic about Texas, even in deep-red seats.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Still, Andersen is only cautiously optimistic about the future.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of optimistic
Noun
  • But there are still optimists who point out the potential upside is still vast.
    — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
  • My favourite part of this exercise is seeing the distribution of optimists and pessimists.
    — Janson Duench, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of optimist
Adjective
  • The two women are themselves influencers who previously accused former gubernatorial hopeful Tom Steyer and, earlier this week, Los Angeles mayoral hopeful Nithya Raman of similar infractions.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Hager is hopeful many of his members will follow that endorsement.
    — Andrea Hsu, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of hopeful
Noun
  • Ostrom also believes that this community is special and hopes to build a community backup from what used to be at Micawber's.
    — Ray Campos, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • 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
Definition of Micawber
Adjective
  • After application, its translucent color develops into a rosy tint, unique to every person.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
  • These are just a few examples, but this type of rosy forecasting is widespread.
    — Abigail Hall, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of rosy
Noun
  • At its core, Dark Matter is a series about the folly and hubris of humankind, even when — nay, especially when — idealists have the power to achieve transformative change.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Fairness With Conditions Schulz is careful not to present himself as an idealist.
    — Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of idealist
Adjective
  • Across Europe, where the Paramount chief David Ellison has spent time courting support for his vision of building a Hollywood colossus, the mood is surprisingly upbeat.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Beneath its upbeat production, the lyrics offer a clever reminder that accountability is rarely one-sided.
    — qygwork, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of upbeat
Noun
  • When veteran producers Robert Chartoff and Irwin Winkler offer him a check for $300,000, around $2 million today when adjusted for inflation, the young dreamer says no.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Among its most memorable attractions is a historic railroad that once carried artists and archaeologists, dreamers and scientists, some of whom traveled on the train incognito before participating in the top-secret Manhattan Project.
    — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of dreamer

Browse Nearby Words

pollutions
Pollyanna
Pollyannaish
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Cite this Entry

“Pollyanna.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Pollyanna. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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