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
The best coaches will set aside time to work on new drills, figure out lineups, game plan for future opponents, and many other things that go under the radar but can make-or-break a season.
—
Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2026
This is the make-or-break move for a make-or-break 2026 season.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
Broadcom results out Wednesday evening could be make-or-break for the stock as jitters around the artificial intelligence trade remain.
—Pia Singh, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
Seems like this should be a make-or-break year for Jung.
—Kevin Sherrington
feb. 25, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2026
This is the make-or-break move for a make-or-break 2026 season.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
Broadcom results out Wednesday evening could be make-or-break for the stock as jitters around the artificial intelligence trade remain.
—Pia Singh, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
Seems like this should be a make-or-break year for Jung.
—Kevin Sherrington
feb. 25, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break
Adjective
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Irrigation is crucial in an area that's primarily dry land agriculture.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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Called the trans-lunar injection burn (TLI), the crucial maneuver is scheduled to take place roughly 24 hours into the mission.—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Millions of Americans enrolled in Medicare Advantage are approaching a critical deadline that could have long-lasting financial consequences.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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For Iranian athletes who play in domestic-league games that aren’t broadcast internationally, the World Cup serves as a critical launchpad to impress international scouts.—
Albert Samaha,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Boosting China’s bold space ambitions The team, from the Institute of Mechanics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, also highlighted their material’s potential for aerospace applications during a pivotal moment in spaceflight history.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Apr. 2026
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Rural Americans’ health care worries reflect broader national concerns about access and rising prices of care as the cost of living spikes — anxieties that could prove pivotal in this year’s midterm elections.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-or-break. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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