: 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
Types Of Investing Risk Losing money is a common fear among would-be investors.
—Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Perhaps this shouldn’t be surprising given that singlehood rates have been rising for years, more steeply among men than women—leaving lots of would-be dads without a co-parent.
—Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2025
The Braves ended up batting around in the inning, with Profar’s three-run homer getting them within 13-9, and had the bases loaded with two out when Harris’ would-be spot came up.
—David O'Brien, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
Sandy McAlpine, a real estate agent who works in Charlotte, North Carolina, said she’s heard that many would-be buyers are holding back for now, in the hope that the Federal Reserve will soon cut interest rates, making borrowing for a home more affordable.
—Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for would-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.
Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Perhaps this shouldn’t be surprising given that singlehood rates have been rising for years, more steeply among men than women—leaving lots of would-be dads without a co-parent.
—Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2025
The Braves ended up batting around in the inning, with Profar’s three-run homer getting them within 13-9, and had the bases loaded with two out when Harris’ would-be spot came up.
—David O'Brien, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
Sandy McAlpine, a real estate agent who works in Charlotte, North Carolina, said she’s heard that many would-be buyers are holding back for now, in the hope that the Federal Reserve will soon cut interest rates, making borrowing for a home more affordable.
—Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2025
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 29 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share