make the grade

phrase

Definition of make the gradenext
as in make it
to reach a desired level of accomplishment There were many applicants for the position, but only a few made the grade for an interview.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 the grade McDonald’s The burger chain also made the grade, even as the stock has seen better days. — Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 7 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make the grade
  1. make it
  2. get there
  3. get ahead
  4. get somewhere
  5. make good
  6. cut it
Phrase
  • Trump on Tuesday said that while almost all the incoming fire in Jordan was stopped, some made it through.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • Arsenal’s third and penultimate friendly, at home to Borussia Dortmund on August 9, is three weeks after the World Cup’s final weekend, so the eight players who made it that far can return after that fixture.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of make it
Phrase
  • For governments approved for assistance, federal funding could get there quicker — within 30 days of a federal disaster declaration, instead of waiting months or years for reimbursements that are based on proof of expenditures.
    — David A. Lieb, Fortune, 16 July 2026
  • Dolce & Gabbana obviously got there first and have been working with the soccer celebrity for some years now.
    — Dylan Jones, Robb Report, 16 July 2026
Definition of get there
Phrase
  • For many South Floridians, however, getting ahead financially feels easier said than done.
    — Bonnie Laden, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • Colorado tackles the problem with a new law One state is trying to get ahead of the problem.
    — Camila Domonoske, NPR, 13 July 2026
Definition of get ahead
Phrase
  • Some are predicting that Colorado defenseman Cale Makar will get somewhere in the $18 million to $20 million range before the start of September’s training camps.
    — Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 12 July 2026
Definition of get somewhere
Phrase
  • Loosely tracing the hot burn of a new relationship, then the hollowing out of a betrayal and breakup, Emotional Junglist makes good on the promise of Silence Is Loud.
    — Will Pritchard, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
  • But a lot of us are also making good use of the 15 hours of audio that come with Spotify Premium.
    — David Pierce, The Verge, 18 July 2026
Definition of make good
Phrase
  • Those tactics may represent the initial stepping stones of a long-term plan, but a single splash usually won’t cut it in a new market.
    — Andrea Aker, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • In 2017, Trump cut it in half; in 2021, Joe Biden expanded it once more.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of cut it

Browse Nearby Words

makes way
make the grade
make tracks
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Make the grade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make%20the%20grade. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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