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wannabe

[won-uh-bee, waw-nuh‑] / ˈwɒn əˌbi, ˈwɔ nə‑ /




NOUN
aspirer
Synonyms


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.

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And Thatcher’s other film roles in 2023’s “The Boogeyman” and a bit part in the following year’s “MaXXXine” certainly don’t help Hollywood’s perception of her as a wannabe scream queen.

From Salon Aug. 17, 2026

And, in real time, we’re watching wannabe masters of the AI universe try to win an upper hand in controlling the new technology.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 26, 2026

The two-cap striker - who last played for Scotland in 2022 - has the play-off final to look forward to where he will come up against a fellow World Cup wannabe in Oli McBurnie.

From BBC May 18, 2026

MPs, councillors and ministers I've talked to are all frustrated by the speculation, with no little irritation towards the wannabe contenders in a leadership race.

From BBC May 2, 2026

A wannabe vampire, or maybe a Kool-Aid freak?

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan

At gone 10pm on Monday night, there was still a minibus full of ministerial wannabes inside Downing Street waiting for their new positions to be confirmed.

From BBC Jul. 21, 2026

He now leads New York, “and there are wannabes all over the country,” she says.

From The Wall Street Journal May 22, 2026

The distinction paid off with pros and wannabes alike, and by the time Quiksilver launched Roxy with Kasparian in 1990, they were a cultural juggernaut.

From Los Angeles Times May 15, 2026

Others, like the Elvis impersonators roaming the streets, were wannabes, eager to tap into the mass tort gold mine.

From Slate Jan. 13, 2026

“And that’s what separates the wannabes from the agents in the end. Quinton didn’t nominate ye ’cause he needed a rescuer, he nominated ye because he believed ye can thrive here.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston




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