they'd
American-
contraction of they had.
-
contraction of they would.
contraction
Usage
See contraction.
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.
Kore-eda’s films frequently focus on individuals who aren’t as happy as they thought they’d be.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026
Because they'd been booked to play Pet-A-Palooza, a dog adoption festival sponsored by the local radio station.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
"I don't think they'd want to have me disappointed."
From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026
Before selling current holdings, they’d have to give seven days of notice, which addresses the concern that lawmakers might quickly off-load assets after receiving some grim briefing.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
If she could just keep them busy with her answers, maybe they’d never get around to us pupils.
From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.