as in optimistic
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
as in optimist
Related Words
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
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.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for Pollyanna
Adjective
-
In an optimistic interview, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi confidentially predicted that the Democrats will regain control of Congress.—
-
In the months before Maduro was seized, Machado’s allies were optimistic.—
Noun
-
The optimist would say the school can't lose.—
-
But even to the cockeyed optimist, did six sacks feel plausible Sunday night?—
Adjective
-
Anderson said the arguments left supporters hopeful.—
-
Police remain hopeful that recent advancements in DNA testing, which have been used on evidence collected in Amber's case, and new tips from the public will help solve the case.—
Noun
-
He’s got the twinkly eye and the sly, gregarious spiritual ease of a Micawber or a Cheeryble.—
-
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.—
Noun
-
Linda’s an idealist and Norma’s a realist.—
-
At least there were idealists who dreamed such fancies, and their dreams were the pretext for creating this nation.—
Adjective
-
Her rosy lips and cheeks keep the look as classic as can be.—
-
In an otherwise rosy projection of economic benefits, a CBRE analyst wrote that the number of permanent jobs at a typical data center is between five and 30.—
Noun
-
Across cultures and centuries, constellations have been used to explain myths, guide travelers, and inspire dreamers.—
-
The Audacity will star Billy Magnussen and Zach Galifianakis, and revolve around everyone in the orbit of tech’s Disneyland, from the makers and dreamers to the billionaires and bosses.—
Adjective
-
Barbour’s mother spoke with Fox 13 in November and told the outlet her daughter was a kind and upbeat person.—
-
Based on what was for the most part a positive holiday season for retailers last year, the mood should be upbeat at the convention.—
Cite this Entry
“Pollyanna.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Pollyanna. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
