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.

That left a lot of would-be visitors frustrated, but those lucky enough to snag a reservation were treated to the most peaceful, serene Yosemite Valley experience in years.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

He is, at 24, part of a new generation of would-be politicians.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

However, would-be investors have approached Anthropic with proposals to participate in a fund-raising round which would value it at as much as $900 billion, according to multiple reports.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

The example is from Ozu’s 1929 “Days of Youth,” in which a suitor gets paint on his hand, knows it, and gets panicky trying to hide it from his would-be sweetheart.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

That alone would kill the enthusiasm of any would-be acorn farmer who had defeated the squirrels and remained patient.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond