Synonyms for

Wannabe

Verb / ˈwɑ:nʌˌbi: / Another word for wannabe — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A wannabe is someone who wants to be like someone else or wants to be part of a particular group but is not actually a member of that group.

Synonyms & similar words

aspirer aspirant hopeful wannabee aspirant hopeful wisher dreamer pretender imitator follower copycat emulator mimic climber striver seeker yearner ambitious eager desirous longing craving itching

Synonyms by register

Formal

aspirant candidate pretender applicant

Informal

poser try-hard newbie amateur dabbler

Literary

would-be aspiring soul

Antonyms

realist achiever expert master professional virtuoso connoisseur

Common collocations

  • wannabe actor
  • wannabe musician
  • wannabe writer
  • wannabe politician
  • wannabe celebrity
  • wannabe star
  • wannabe artist

Word family

noun wannabe

Usage note

This term is informal and often carries a negative connotation, implying someone who imitates or desires to be something they are not, without possessing the genuine skill or status.

Example sentences

  1. She is a wannabe singer who practices every day.
  2. He is a wannabe football player who dreams of playing in the NFL.
  3. She is a wannabe fashion model who takes pictures of herself and posts them on social media.
  4. He is a wannabe chef who loves to cook and experiment with new recipes.
  5. She is a wannabe writer who spends hours writing stories and poems.

Quotes

  • I'm not a wannabe, I'm who I wanna be. - Wiz Khalifa
  • I'm neither a wannabe nor a has-been, I'm in the here and now. - Dennis Rodman
  • I'm a wannabe writer. - John Cusack

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