: desiring, intending, professing, or having the potential to be
tips for would-be mothers and fathers
The conference, held over the Labor Day weekend, drew 1200 to 1300 writers and would-be writers to the Hawaiian island this year …—
John F. Baker
John F. BakerPossibly the most hilarious and outrageous character was Joey Tribbiani, a would-be actor who struggles to find success in his chosen profession …—The Cheat Sheet
The Cheat SheetShe's a clueless, would-be do-gooder without much self-awareness.—Maureen Ryan
Maureen RyanExamples of would-be in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In Barcelona, Cindy was alert enough to ward off a would-be thief tugging on her tote bag.
—Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
Having lived in the Lincoln Park home for 35 years, the would-be sellers were having second thoughts about parting with the special address.
—David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 25 Feb. 2026
The problem for would-be new investors is that a lot of this is already priced into the share price.
—Ian King, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2026
The Beales were just two of many would-be subjects from the extended Kennedy clan.
—Rosemary Counter, Vanity Fair, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for would-be
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Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
Having lived in the Lincoln Park home for 35 years, the would-be sellers were having second thoughts about parting with the special address.
—David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 25 Feb. 2026
The problem for would-be new investors is that a lot of this is already priced into the share price.
—Ian King, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2026
The Beales were just two of many would-be subjects from the extended Kennedy clan.
—Rosemary Counter, Vanity Fair, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for would-be
Cite this Entry
“Would-be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/would-be. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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