: 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
Sure enough, Hill took a short swing pass, collided with a would-be Georgetown tackler around the 10-yard line, and dragged three Eagles forward before falling on the pylon for a touchdown.
—Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026
But if their time unemployed continues to rise, would-be undergraduates might begin to rethink the value of their investment, the report suggests.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026
Capable would-be leaders explain themselves, especially on matters affecting their constitutional qualifications.
—Robert Steinbuch, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
Supporters of restrictions argue that institutional investors often outbid would-be homeowners competing for the same homes, particularly in fast-growing markets.
—Mike Winters, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for would-be
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Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026
But if their time unemployed continues to rise, would-be undergraduates might begin to rethink the value of their investment, the report suggests.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026
Capable would-be leaders explain themselves, especially on matters affecting their constitutional qualifications.
—Robert Steinbuch, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
Supporters of restrictions argue that institutional investors often outbid would-be homeowners competing for the same homes, particularly in fast-growing markets.
—Mike Winters, CNBC, 9 Jan. 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 11 Jan. 2026.
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