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would-be

adjective
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\ ˈwu̇d-ˈbē How to pronounce would-be (audio) \

Definition of would-be

disparaging
: desiring, intending, professing, or having the potential to be a would-be actor

First Known Use of would-be

1647, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of would-be was in 1647

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Dictionary Entries Near would-be

would appreciate it

would-be

wouldest

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Cite this Entry

“Would-be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/would-be. Accessed 2 Dec. 2021.

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More Definitions for would-be

would-be

adjective
How to pronounce would-be (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of would-be

—used to describe someone who hopes to be a particular person or type of person

See the full definition for would-be in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for would-be

Nglish: Translation of would-be for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of would-be for Arabic Speakers

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