would-be

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of would-be Those nodules have tempted would-be miners for decades. Daniel Ackerman, NPR, 27 Mar. 2025 Industry analysts say the tax will surely raise car prices in the U.S. and squeeze some would-be car buyers out of the market. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2025 Susan had found Teresa and neutralized the redhead’s would-be rapist/gun runner with a bullet to his frank-and-beans, while Villanueva nearly met his match in one of the gun-running goons. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 27 Mar. 2025 Chloé Zhao followed up the gorgeous Nomadland (2020) with the would-be superhero franchise starter, Eternals (2021). Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for would-be
Recent Examples of Synonyms for would-be
Adjective
  • Molina’s life is upended after forming an unlikely bond with his new cellmate (Diego Luna).
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 24 Mar. 2025
  • People quickly adapt to new financial circumstances, so while receiving money may bring temporary joy, the effect is fleeting.
    Shane Enete, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • One of City’s greatest financial successes has been their ability to generate vast sums for largely untried young players.
    Chris Weatherspoon, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Within days, he was appointed as the new, young, untried head coach (and now manager) of former club Arsenal with his work ethic, his ambitions and his non-negotiables.
    Amy Lawrence, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • While dogs can eat some human foods, like unseasoned pasta, as shown in the clip, some of our staples can be extremely toxic to them.
    Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
  • While the German shepherd is politely holding back, his opponent can't wait to tuck in, to the point that his owner has to physically stop him from grabbing the unseasoned spaghetti before the contest even started.
    Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Well, the beginning days of spring can be cold, too.
    Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Some of the efforts being eyed by hardline Republicans are focused on the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) workers, which DOGE — the brainchild of billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk — has sought to dismantle since the beginning days of the Trump administration.
    Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Photo: Focus Features/Everett Collection A Coen brothers riff on the spy genre, Burn After Reading is filled with self-mythologizing drunks, unskilled opportunists, and borderline morons.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
  • In reference to Table 1, TRINA 1.0 was able to perform telemedicine and unskilled physical tasks.
    Kris Hauser, IEEE Spectrum, 4 May 2020
Adjective
  • Meanwhile in Louisiana, Hoffman's attorneys challenged the way the execution was to be carried out, saying the largely untested nitrogen gas method would violate his constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The producer hired Robert Benton to write and direct the film and took a chance in casting a relatively untested Meryl Streep, and the drama — about a family torn apart by divorce — went on to win best picture and four other Academy Awards.
    Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump has said a repeal of the green energy credits from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act would save $921 billion over ten years.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Choose from 15 colors, including dusty rose, dark green, and navy blue.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Of about 60 students who have graduated from the program, 30% have gone to college or community college, 30% have gone to vocational programs, about 30% are employed in entry-level jobs, and about 10% are engaged in adult day training programs.
    Robert Reiss, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • James and the Blackhawks continue to negotiate an entry-level contract.
    Scott Powers, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Would-be.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/would-be. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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