Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for wannabe. Search instead for wannabes.
Definitions

wannabe

[won-uh-bee, waw-nuh‑] / ˈwɒn əˌbi, ˈwɔ nə‑ /




NOUN
aspirer
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A wannabe cavalry unit, anchored in the center by an agent on a white horse, swept through a soccer field where children were attending day camp just minutes before.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Cue Mr. Carr, his wannabe censor at the FCC.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

When Tomas Cvancara stretched his neck and planted a header on Craig Gordon's crossbar an hour into this exhilarating clash of the champions and the wannabe champions, a sense of shock swept around Tynecastle.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026

In Hollywood, there’s an old joke among wannabe actors scraping by doing odd jobs between auditions: “Well, right now I’m parking cars, but what I really want to do is direct!”

From Salon • Jan. 1, 2026

I remembered him from freshman fall, class clown wannabe, emphasis on wannabe.

From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin