as in crucial
resulting in either definite success or definite failure
a make-or-break decision The next year will be a make-or-break time for the company.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of make-or-break
That could be a make-or-break issue for some Chicago lawmakers.
—
Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
Economists have said 50% is the make-or-break threshold for the return of somewhat normal business between the two countries.
—Juliana Liu, CNN Money, 10 May 2025
But when her family’s garment business receives a make-or-break order for 200 dresses, Ana is forced to juggle her own ambitions with her mother’s expectations.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
These businesses need banking relationships that will support them during their make-or-break years.
—Brock Blake, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
Economists have said 50% is the make-or-break threshold for the return of somewhat normal business between the two countries.
—Juliana Liu, CNN Money, 10 May 2025
But when her family’s garment business receives a make-or-break order for 200 dresses, Ana is forced to juggle her own ambitions with her mother’s expectations.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
These businesses need banking relationships that will support them during their make-or-break years.
—Brock Blake, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break
Adjective
-
Assessing a model’s performance has become crucial for businesses to trust and ultimately adopt AI, Ratner said.—
Rashi Shrivastava,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
-
The timing piece is crucial, but the relationship building is everything.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
3 June 2025
Adjective
-
The timing couldn’t be worse for Harvard: The troubled university currently faces a critical dispute over funding and foreign student visas with the Trump administration.—
Andrew Follett,
National Review,
31 May 2025
-
What Happens Next Trump's approval rating could fluctuate in the coming weeks, depending on the outcome of key events, including critical negotiations in the Russia-Ukraine war, the evolving tariff situation and concerns about a recession.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
Competing for the pivotal center position are Carter Miller and Cameron Kinnie, both vying to distinguish themselves and seize this critical spot in the lineup.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 May 2025
-
Chiuri, who joined Dior in 2016 after her tenure at Valentino, has played a pivotal role in reshaping the French fashion house’s identity and product direction.—
Essence,
Essence,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-or-break. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share