Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for wannabe. Search instead for wannenbodens.
Definitions

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.

Ruth, a fashion designer who quits the high-pressure world to become a teacher, acts as a contrast to the hustle culture-inspired ambitions of wannabe billionaire Becket, Henwick says.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

Is the owner an absentee plutocrat who texts “Sounds good” from Davos or a wannabe Rockne who played six or seven downs at Choate?

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 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

Anxious market reactions to otherwise solid earnings reports, the appearance of wannabe retail products—both are signs.

From Barron's • Oct. 23, 2025

The usual suspects: crazed fans, wannabe disciples, and aspiring bounty hunters.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline