: 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
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed new rules that would require poultry companies to disclose more information to would-be farmers — a change that is designed to help farmers better assess the risks.
—Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2025
But the strongest and most decisive critic of would-be Christians is authentic Christianity itself.
—Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025
The would-be president had been kicked out of a local hotel for nonpayment.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
While such growth is no doubt happy news for milk thistle supplement manufacturers and the people promoting it, some would-be users aren't sure if there are real benefits to taking the product in any of its various forms.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for would-be 
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.
Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2025
But the strongest and most decisive critic of would-be Christians is authentic Christianity itself.
—Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025
The would-be president had been kicked out of a local hotel for nonpayment.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
While such growth is no doubt happy news for milk thistle supplement manufacturers and the people promoting it, some would-be users aren't sure if there are real benefits to taking the product in any of its various forms.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for would-be
Dictionary Entries Near would-be
Cite this Entry
“Would-be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/would-be. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share