: 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
But even just with blueprints for the space, Culpepper tried to block out those moments in a way that made sense for the shifting power dynamics between would-be teacher and insubordinate student, alternating who appeared taller and more in control of the frame.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 21 July 2024
Buttigieg, who competed against Biden and Harris for the nomination four years ago, and Newsom, another would-be contender, shared statements backing her candidacy within hours.
—Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 21 July 2024
However, if other would-be nominees step forward, today’s open convention could also turn into a contested convention.
—Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2024
Investigators believe Trump’s would-be assassin flew a drone over the rally site on the day of the shooting.
—Andrew Torgan, CNN, 21 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for would-be 
Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 21 July 2024
Buttigieg, who competed against Biden and Harris for the nomination four years ago, and Newsom, another would-be contender, shared statements backing her candidacy within hours.
—Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 21 July 2024
However, if other would-be nominees step forward, today’s open convention could also turn into a contested convention.
—Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2024
Investigators believe Trump’s would-be assassin flew a drone over the rally site on the day of the shooting.
—Andrew Torgan, CNN, 21 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for would-be
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'would-be.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Would-be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/would-be. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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