would-be
Americanadjective
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wishing or pretending to be.
a would-be wit.
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intended to be.
a would-be kindness.
noun
adjective
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derogatory wanting or professing to be
a would-be politician
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intended to be
would-be generosity
noun
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derogatory a person who wants or professes to be something that he is not
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the person to whom one is is engaged to be married; fiancé or fiancée
Etymology
Origin of would-be
1250–1300; Middle English (adj.)
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’s just about the kindest thing the congressman has had to say about his would-be successor.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 23, 2026
But the would-be banners and the letter’s signatories are arguing about the wrong thing.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026
Karim, another would-be migrant turned back, said news of some successful crossings emboldened many to make their own attempt.
From Barron's ● Jul. 31, 2026
But beyond the would-be TikTok stars, he sees a significant trend towards "every-day you and I" couples wanting them, often in order to protect inherited wealth.
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
As an example of how would-be plant hitchhikers attract animals, consider wild strawberries.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
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.
