Would-be is a phrase that means aspiring or potential. There are many synonyms for would-be that can be used to communicate the same idea. Some of the most common alternatives include: hopeful, possible, prospective, aspiring, would-be, and potential. Each word can be used to describe someone who is trying to achieve something, but has not yet reached their goal. These words can also be used to describe an object or idea that has the potential to be something great. In short, there are many different words that can be used to describe someone or something that is striving towards a particular goal.