: 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
The Down-to-Earth Pope In a historic moment characterized by autocrats and would-be autocrats, Francis was the antithesis of a strongman.
—Bluesky Social, 21 Apr. 2025
However, after video review, the would-be equalizer was waived off.
—Asli Pelit, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Some would-be travelers are nervous about the Trump administration's policies.
—Arkansas Online, 20 Apr. 2025
As Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, its would-be sultan, dismantles the country’s secular democracy, President Donald Trump has seemingly taken little notice.
—Reuel Marc Gerecht, The Atlantic, 19 Apr. 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.
Bluesky Social, 21 Apr. 2025
However, after video review, the would-be equalizer was waived off.
—Asli Pelit, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Some would-be travelers are nervous about the Trump administration's policies.
—Arkansas Online, 20 Apr. 2025
As Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, its would-be sultan, dismantles the country’s secular democracy, President Donald Trump has seemingly taken little notice.
—Reuel Marc Gerecht, The Atlantic, 19 Apr. 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 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share