WOULD-BE Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

would-be

adjective

Definition of would-be

as in inexperienced

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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 Reminiscent of the old lot developers who flew planeloads of would-be buyers to Florida and Arizona to sell them building sites, some builders are offering to cover travel costs for out-of-town buyers who want to visit their properties. — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026 But every would-be president has approached this differently. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026 After Anthony Volpe's would-be tying homer in the bottom of the sixth inning turned into a double on video review, the Yankees did not get a runner past second base. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 Children will require some supervision but this drone is a great deal for would-be flyers, young and old. — Chris McMullen, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for would-be

Recent Examples of Synonyms for would-be

Adjective

The problem of absent or inexperienced ambassadors goes both ways.

— Donald Heflin, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2026
Officials are urging anyone spending time near the water to use a life jacket, especially children and inexperienced swimmers.

— Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of inexperienced

Adjective

There are currently around 1,000 new Pip claims submitted every day in the UK; about 34% are successful.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 2026
On Monday, the first day of the Supreme Court's new term, the justices will hear the Boulder case that could decide the fate of others like it.

— LINDSAY WHITEHURST, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of new

Adjective

Still, all but Verse (7 ½ sacks last year) are untried.

— Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2026
The audacity of such a mission, wrapping so many untried things into a single flight, meant Artemis III would not have launched for at least two more years, and probably more like three, four, or more.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 14 Mar. 2026

Definition of untried

Adjective

The hot mic saw to it that Rodgers' message to McCarthy was loud and clear and any amateur lip reader could also clearly decipher the head coach's response to his quarterback who spent 13 seasons with him in Green Bay.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
West, founded in 1908, spent much of its first century yo-yoing up and down the standings of amateur leagues on anonymous fields around south Manchester.

— Vanda Mayer, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of amateur

Adjective

After his beginning years in the cafe, Trygar has since moved to the maintenance department and has been responsible for taking care some of Kennywood's iconic rides like the Racer, the Log Jammer, and the Merry Go Round.

— Mike Darnay, CBS News, 7 May 2026
The band joins Yellowcard for the Up Up Down Down Tour, a 27-date spring outing with Plain White T’s beginning May 6 in Atlanta and concluding June 20 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

— Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 21 Feb. 2026

Definition of beginning

Adjective

Persona did not see economic viability in the unskilled labor approach, Radford says.

— Evan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 17 Aug. 2026
The jobs were broken down into around 200 management roles, 67 office or clerical roles, 67 professional, 534 skilled and 133 unskilled.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of unskilled

Adjective

Smaller banks may not be able to participate in the process and even large ones may initially be wary of untested new rules.

— Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
The legislation follows testimony from city officials and residents who said some smoke shops sell untested, unregulated and dangerous products, including to children.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of untested

Browse Nearby Words

worthy

would-be

wound

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“Would-be.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/would-be. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of would-be

adjective

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