Synonyms of would-benext
: 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
Possibly 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
She's a clueless, would-be do-gooder without much self-awareness.Maureen Ryan

Examples of would-be in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
How Greens Gummies Became the Powder Alternative Greens powders built the category, but daily scooping, mixing and choking down grassy drinks turned off plenty of would-be users. Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026 The combination of challenges led to a thrashing for his Labour Party in local elections this spring and calls to step down that cleared a path for a would-be challenger to step forward and ultimately force him aside Monday. ABC News, 23 June 2026 Without financial inclusion, many would-be entrepreneurs, particularly in developing nations, are shut out from critical opportunities. David Henkin, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 The Hawks have also been rumored as the third team in would-be trades involving Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and Celtics Jaylen Brown … but probably best not to expect anything crazy. Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for would-be

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of would-be was in 1647

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Cite this Entry

“Would-be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/would-be. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

would-be

adjective
ˌwu̇d-ˌbē
: desiring, intending, or pretending to be
a would-be poet

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