: 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
While countless would-be buyers remain stuck on the sidelines, some people do have a lot of money to spend.
—Laurel Wamsley, NPR, 26 July 2025
Concerns about the economy and job security mean many would-be new purchasers are opting to make do with modest home improvements instead.
—Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 25 July 2025
He's got a 3.53 ERA this year and ranks among the top 10 pitchers in the game in innings, alongside would-be teammates Max Fried and Carlos Rodón.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Third-year linebacker/safety Marte Mapu nabbed a late would-be sack blitzing off the left side.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for would-be
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Laurel Wamsley, NPR, 26 July 2025
Concerns about the economy and job security mean many would-be new purchasers are opting to make do with modest home improvements instead.
—Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 25 July 2025
He's got a 3.53 ERA this year and ranks among the top 10 pitchers in the game in innings, alongside would-be teammates Max Fried and Carlos Rodón.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Third-year linebacker/safety Marte Mapu nabbed a late would-be sack blitzing off the left side.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 24 July 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 8 Aug. 2025.
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