wannabe

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.

A wannabe cavalry unit, anchored in the center by an agent on a white horse, swept through a soccer field where children were attending day camp just minutes before.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

“Ghalibaf is Iran’s wannabe strongman,” said Sina Azodi, director of Middle East studies at George Washington University.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

Unless an unexpected candidate decides to take the plunge, and goodness knows what could happen these days, a change at the top doesn't seem likely to be prompted by the wannabe contenders.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

In Hollywood, there’s an old joke among wannabe actors scraping by doing odd jobs between auditions: “Well, right now I’m parking cars, but what I really want to do is direct!”

From Salon • Jan. 1, 2026

“What kind of helpful information would be in books about a wannabe Chosen One who clams up when it’s time to stop the bad guy?”

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas