: that is to be : future
—usually used postpositively and often in combination
a bride-to-be
Examples of to-be in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Validate The Use Case And Compliance With AI Principles Before Commencing The Evaluation
Make sure the as-is process is well understood and the to-be process is simulated as thoroughly as possible.
—
Venky Yerrapotu, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Create a to-be list—watch a sunset or a bird nesting—alongside your to-do list.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024
Drew Scott can’t help but gush about his wife and mother-of-two to-be.
—Alex Cramer, Peoplemag, 28 Jan. 2024
Emotional parents took proud photos on their cellphones before sending the children off, teachers corralled their students into lesson plans, and shy kids met their soon- to-be best friends.
—Heidi Levine, Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2023
See All Example Sentences for to-be
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.
Venky Yerrapotu, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Create a to-be list—watch a sunset or a bird nesting—alongside your to-do list.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024
Drew Scott can’t help but gush about his wife and mother-of-two to-be.
—Alex Cramer, Peoplemag, 28 Jan. 2024
Emotional parents took proud photos on their cellphones before sending the children off, teachers corralled their students into lesson plans, and shy kids met their soon- to-be best friends.
—Heidi Levine, Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2023
See All Example Sentences for to-be
Cite this Entry
“To-be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/to-be. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share