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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
The film, adapted from a play with the same title, covers the tense, make-or-break forecasting and decision-making that happened in the 72 hours before the first troops set foot on Normandy’s beaches.
—
Andrea Thompson,
Scientific American,
29 May 2026
Since that time shares are down more than 75% below its all-time high of $500 and now sit at a critical make-or-break moment from a technical perspective.
—
Jay Woods,
CNBC,
28 May 2026
Monk has played sparingly his first two years and faces a make-or-break summer.
—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Those could be make-or-break investments for many companies that are likely years away from a product that could see widespread use.
—
ArsTechnica,
25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Andrea Thompson,
Scientific American,
29 May 2026
Since that time shares are down more than 75% below its all-time high of $500 and now sit at a critical make-or-break moment from a technical perspective.
—
Jay Woods,
CNBC,
28 May 2026
Monk has played sparingly his first two years and faces a make-or-break summer.
—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Those could be make-or-break investments for many companies that are likely years away from a product that could see widespread use.
—
ArsTechnica,
25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break
Adjective
-
Both Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers applauded the recent letters from Congress to Quebec, saying getting American wine back into Canada is crucial to aiding their struggling industry.
-
Fairview a ‘crucial’ crossing The two Fairview bridges were built 44 years apart.
Adjective
-
The unorthodox midterm convention comes as Democrats continue to poll stronger than Republicans ahead of November's critical elections.
-
Kennard could have provided a critical floor-spacing piece around Doncic, who thrives when surrounded by lob-catching centers, athletic wings and knockdown shooters.
Adjective
-
Women controlled children and property and played pivotal roles in tribe politics.
-
Although her date with Daniel didn’t end well in the season 2 finale, Helen will play a pivotal role in the series.
Cite this Entry
“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-or-break. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
