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.
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Recent Examples of make-or-break
While some might desire a taller seat back, that smallest dimension was make-or-break to suit my space constraints.
—
Charlotte Collins, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2025
Stock futures were flat early Wednesday as investors turn their eyes to Nvidia earnings, which could be a make-or-break moment for the bull market.
—Pia Singh, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2025
Gaines says these are make-or-break for a functional, but still beautiful, entryway.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2025
Ballard recently scoffed at the idea of Richardson’s 2025 campaign being a make-or-break season; four weeks later, the Colts have asked for a break from Richardson — perhaps permanently.
—James Boyd, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Charlotte Collins, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2025
Stock futures were flat early Wednesday as investors turn their eyes to Nvidia earnings, which could be a make-or-break moment for the bull market.
—Pia Singh, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2025
Gaines says these are make-or-break for a functional, but still beautiful, entryway.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2025
Ballard recently scoffed at the idea of Richardson’s 2025 campaign being a make-or-break season; four weeks later, the Colts have asked for a break from Richardson — perhaps permanently.
—James Boyd, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break
Adjective
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Guiding principles, both personal and professional, are just as crucial as having the right policy goals.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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The Chinese artist will bring his expertise as a glonal artist to guide the contestants through this crucial semi-final stage.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Xi Jinping has remarked that relying on foreign supply of critical technologies—like semiconductors—is tantamount to building one's house on someone else's foundation.—
Joel Thayer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
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Bynum made a diving catch that extinguished a critical drive for the Broncos.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The atmosphere was electric—a convergence of style, creativity, and community that underscored the growing influence of Black creators during one of fashion’s most pivotal weeks.—
Corein Carter,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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The initiative marks a pivotal step in advancing sustainable urban transformation and circular construction practices.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-or-break. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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