WOULD-BE Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

would-be

adjective

Definition of would-be

as in inexperienced

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of would-be That would-be buyer is a limited liability company — HSF Fairlane — linked to the Hull Property Group in Augusta, Georgia. — Jc Reindl, Freep.com, 22 Sep. 2026 She’s also lost in the memories of her heady youth, spent reclining in the sun and talking of politics and social concerns with various friends, lovers, and would-be suitors. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026 For many would-be parents, the demands of child rearing are not the first hurdle. — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026 The increase has driven up monthly payments, and a 7% mortgage could pose a psychological barrier for some would-be buyers, further restricting demand. — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for would-be

Recent Examples of Synonyms for would-be

Adjective

Consulting has built a system that allows relatively inexperienced people to deliver the judgment clients are willing to pay for.

— Albert Mikkelsen, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Seas will also begin to lower as the nor'easter pulls away, but inexperienced mariners and small vessels are encouraged to stay docked on Monday as rough seas and gusty winds are still likely.

— Sarah Wroblewski, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of inexperienced

Adjective

There are currently around 1,000 new Pip claims submitted every day in the UK; about 34% are successful.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 2026
On Monday, the first day of the Supreme Court's new term, the justices will hear the Boulder case that could decide the fate of others like it.

— LINDSAY WHITEHURST, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of new

Adjective

Still, all but Verse (7 ½ sacks last year) are untried.

— Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2026
The audacity of such a mission, wrapping so many untried things into a single flight, meant Artemis III would not have launched for at least two more years, and probably more like three, four, or more.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 14 Mar. 2026

Definition of untried

Adjective

The fossil itself had actually been discovered years earlier by an amateur collector, who donated it to the Field Museum.

— Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2026
Rosário, a 23-year-old amateur boxer who has been part of the school for more than a decade, is studying software engineering at a nearby university.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of amateur

Adjective

After his beginning years in the cafe, Trygar has since moved to the maintenance department and has been responsible for taking care some of Kennywood's iconic rides like the Racer, the Log Jammer, and the Merry Go Round.

— Mike Darnay, CBS News, 7 May 2026
The band joins Yellowcard for the Up Up Down Down Tour, a 27-date spring outing with Plain White T’s beginning May 6 in Atlanta and concluding June 20 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

— Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 21 Feb. 2026

Definition of beginning

Adjective

Persona did not see economic viability in the unskilled labor approach, Radford says.

— Evan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 17 Aug. 2026
The jobs were broken down into around 200 management roles, 67 office or clerical roles, 67 professional, 534 skilled and 133 unskilled.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of unskilled

Adjective

Smaller banks may not be able to participate in the process and even large ones may initially be wary of untested new rules.

— Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
The legislation follows testimony from city officials and residents who said some smoke shops sell untested, unregulated and dangerous products, including to children.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of untested

Browse Nearby Words

worthy

would-be

wound

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Style

“Would-be.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/would-be. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of would-be

adjective

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