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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of make-or-break
The first preseason game is far from a make-or-break proposition for seasoned veterans, who are just trying to shake the rust off.
—
Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 21 Sep. 2025
Technical reliability is a make-or-break factor when considering industrial integration.
—Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
The Greek show will have a 12-meter-high Wall, with two players per episode facing the make-or-break questions, and a cash prize of up to €350,000 ($408,000).
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 21 Sep. 2025
Technical reliability is a make-or-break factor when considering industrial integration.
—Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
The Greek show will have a 12-meter-high Wall, with two players per episode facing the make-or-break questions, and a cash prize of up to €350,000 ($408,000).
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break
Adjective
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That’s why career development conversations play such a crucial role.—
Fortune Editors,
Fortune,
23 Oct. 2025
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That Episode 5 car ride is arguably the series’ most crucial scene, and the dialogue about the vagrant bird its most poignant.—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Black Americans were at a critical juncture.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
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After the war, Riefenstahl’s career included invitations to film festivals and critical praise, a lovely lake home in Bavaria, and snarling attacks on anyone who questioned her lies.—
Sally Jenkins,
The Atlantic,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Hoover helped the offense convert two pivotal third downs on the decisive drive late in the fourth quarter as the Horned Frogs took over six minutes off the clock before McCashland’s field goal.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Oct. 2025
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In 1946-47, the Ruoccos played a pivotal role in founding a multidisciplinary artists’ organization called the Allied Artists Council, a subgroup of which, the Allied Craftsmen, has a vibrant membership and active presence in the community after nearly 80 years.—
Michael James Rocha,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-or-break. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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