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
-
The German government acknowledged the companies’ inability to cooperate on the jet but, speaking at the Berlin Air Show this week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz struck an optimistic tone, looking ahead to what the countries could still achieve with the rest of the FCAS project.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
-
Pickens’ answer to the Star-Telegram seemed less optimistic.—
Nick Harris
June 11,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 June 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
-
As for her glam, the former Spice Girl opted for shimmery pewter eyeshadow, rosy blush, and a pink-nude lip.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
12 June 2026
-
So what’s behind this rosy outlook?—
Emma Hinchliffe,
Fortune,
8 June 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
-
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
-
Ronan faces threats from those looking to eliminate dreamers like him.—
Caroline Killilea,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
-
Kima is a dreamer with a passion for dance, but her dreams constantly clash with her critical mother’s expectations.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pollyanna.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Pollyanna. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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