as in potential
the basic elements from which something can be developed
she has all the makings of an excellent leader, but she needs some experience first
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Recent Examples of makings
Still, Williams always had the makings to meet a baseline of physicality and finishing that he’s simply never reached in Chicago.
—
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Guests can relax post-shower (or post-tub) in Guayabera robes custom-made by Dos Carolinas, and enjoy treats from the Ice Box, including local beer, farmers market provisions, and the makings for the world's best margarita.
—Diana Oates, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026
But, aside from just touting herself as one (which is surely legendary behavior, in and of itself), Cooper has all the typical makings of an icon.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
At the same time, Los Angeles’ upcoming matchup against Chicago has some of the makings for a similar disaster.
—Derrik Klassen, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
What comfort, when this country feels so alien, to see the map of our collective makings!
—Literary Hub, 2 Jan. 2026
Sausages splashed with mustard and chimichurri sauce are the savory makings of this classic Argentinean mouthful whose name is a mash-up of chorizo (sausage) and pan (bread).
—Terry Ward, CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025
How to Watch Cowboys vs Bears This game has the makings to be the most exciting matchup of the day.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
According to other reports cited by Ukrainian electronics expert Serhii Flash the V2U works in teams, with each team member having different color makings on their wings.
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Guests can relax post-shower (or post-tub) in Guayabera robes custom-made by Dos Carolinas, and enjoy treats from the Ice Box, including local beer, farmers market provisions, and the makings for the world's best margarita.
—Diana Oates, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026
But, aside from just touting herself as one (which is surely legendary behavior, in and of itself), Cooper has all the typical makings of an icon.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
At the same time, Los Angeles’ upcoming matchup against Chicago has some of the makings for a similar disaster.
—Derrik Klassen, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
What comfort, when this country feels so alien, to see the map of our collective makings!
—Literary Hub, 2 Jan. 2026
Sausages splashed with mustard and chimichurri sauce are the savory makings of this classic Argentinean mouthful whose name is a mash-up of chorizo (sausage) and pan (bread).
—Terry Ward, CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025
How to Watch Cowboys vs Bears This game has the makings to be the most exciting matchup of the day.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
According to other reports cited by Ukrainian electronics expert Serhii Flash the V2U works in teams, with each team member having different color makings on their wings.
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for makings
Noun
-
When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
-
If there is a potential for temperatures to fall into these thresholds, a freeze watch may be issued a few days ahead of time.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Or more appropriately, the stuff of Marvel Comics.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Career stuff aside, this aspect is also ideal for designing (or analyzing) a budget.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
That includes clearing flammable materials around homes and making sure people understand evacuation plans before they're needed.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
But the interiors are more disciplined—materials used in the rebuild were meticulously chosen by architect Tomoyuki Sakakida of the Japanese design firm New Material Research Laboratory and meant to oxidize over time.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Makings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/makings. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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