do-or-die

adjective

Synonyms of do-or-dienext
1
: doggedly determined to reach one's objective : indomitable
2
: presenting as the only alternatives complete success or complete ruin
a do-or-die situation

Examples of do-or-die in a Sentence

a do-or-die entrepreneur who never stopped believing that hard work would inevitably lead to success
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Or will Victor Wembanyama rise to the occasion and force a do-or-die Game 7? Andrew Greif, NBC news, 28 May 2026 Mikko Rantanen sent his friends and former teammates home in a blur — his third-period hat trick and assist to erase a 2-0 deficit happened in the final 13 minutes of a do-or-die Game 7. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 27 May 2026 Scotland scored two late goals in the do-or-die qualifier against Denmark in November which sent them to their first World Cup in 28 years. Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 19 May 2026 The final game of the season will be on the road in the nation’s capital, as the Cowboys will travel to take on the Commanders in what could either be a meaningless Week 18 matchup or a crucial do-or-die game. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for do-or-die

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of do-or-die was in 1851

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Cite this Entry

“Do-or-die.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/do-or-die. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

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