Synonyms of make-or-breaknext
: allowing no middle ground between success and failure

Examples of make-or-break in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Saks Global’s make-or-break moment has come. Evan Clark, Footwear News, 29 Dec. 2025 The best eye shadow primers could be the make-or-break step that decides whether your look stays flawless or fades before lunchtime. Lily Wohlner, Allure, 23 Dec. 2025 But a public one is make-or-break. Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 18 Dec. 2025 That means an absence from even a single Republican senator could make-or-break what is likely to be a razor-thin margin. Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 12 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for make-or-break

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of make-or-break was in 1919

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make-or-break. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on make-or-break

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!