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 The company needs to be brought up to snuff, a mammoth registration statement laying all the intimate details of the business needs to be prepared and the questions of many, many would-be investors need to be answered. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 30 July 2026 Three national championship trophies lined the dais here in Chicago, won in succession by Ohio State, Michigan and Indiana, a should-be, would-be end to the conference domination conversation. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 July 2026 Robinson produced at least two would-be sacks, forced and recovered a fumble and was stout against the run for most of the day. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026 Brown secured all of his catches within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage — an early theme of his chemistry with Drake Maye — and scored at least two would-be touchdowns during red-zone work. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for would-be

Recent Examples of Synonyms for would-be

Adjective

The Dolphins entered camp with a young and relatively inexperienced group of edge rushers, placing the Michigan product in the unusual position of being asked to help lead others while still fighting to reestablish himself.

— Tyler M. Carmona July 30, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Others point out working with an inexperienced pitching coach, working behind a bad defense and working without a contract for next season as pieces to the puzzle.

— Will Sammon, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Definition of inexperienced

Adjective

That same year, Wolfram set out on an ambitious new direction in science aimed at understanding the origins of complexity in nature.

— Big Think, Big Think, 4 Aug. 2026
If your crepe myrtles aren’t receiving enough light, transplant them to a new growing location when the plants are dormant in winter.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 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

Adell has spent his entire career with the Angels after being the 10th overall pick in the 2017 amateur draft.

— David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, the lab has turned into a record label, with local musicians, many of them amateur, making records through collaborations with the lab.

— Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of amateur

Adjective

And unlike most onigiri, typically made with unseasoned rice, Choe is using both white and purple sushi rice.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Stir 1 cup vinegar (such as red wine, white wine, apple cider, white balsamic, or unseasoned rice) into strained syrup to combine.

— Christina Chaey, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 July 2026

Definition of unseasoned

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

Understand What The Skills Gap Actually Rewards Of the owners who couldn’t fill their openings, 27% said skilled roles went unfilled, and 12% said the same for unskilled roles.

— Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026
Road accidents kill thousands in Bangladesh every year, due to a combination of poor road conditions, unskilled driving and inadequate oversight of traffic rules.

— Adam England, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026

Definition of unskilled

Adjective

Proceeds from asset sales should strengthen the balance sheet rather than finance another untested expansion.

— Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
If Fulham fail to add another defender, Arbeloa may be forced into fielding an untested partnership of Calvin Bassey and Jorge Cuenca, two left-footers who rarely play on the right side.

— Luke Bosher, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Definition of untested

Browse Nearby Words

worthy

would-be

wound

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

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Synonyms of would-be

adjective

Example Sentences

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