would-be

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.

Every year, thousands of would-be novelists pour their hearts onto the page.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 25, 2026

And one might even trace today’s would-be Rhaena Targaryens — and Daenerys emulators, we know you’re out there — to that shaggy flying dog.

From Salon • Jun. 24, 2026

In his resignation speech, Sir Keir did not mention his would-be nemesis by name, and announced that there would now be a contest to select a new Labour leader.

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2026

At his press conference Wednesday, Warsh appeared to acknowledge the challenges would-be home buyers are facing.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 18, 2026

It was a renegade, almost suffragette thing to do, and the neighbors and would-be women friends surrounded Vera Louise with as polite a distance as they could manage.

From "Jazz" by Toni Morrison