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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.

Madeira, the real one, was probably unaware at the time his mischief would create a cult figure whose legacy lives on among early-noughties wannabe managers.

From BBC • May 5, 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

Cue Mr. Carr, his wannabe censor at the FCC.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

I was a young wannabe filmmaker trying to learn how to make movies, and somebody like me was up there onstage telling a story about how he got there.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2026

I remembered him from freshman fall, class clown wannabe, emphasis on wannabe.

From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin




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