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 At National Mortgage Center, another DSCR lender, even buyers of short-term rentals can often be approved, and sometimes multifamily projects of more than five units make the grade. — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026 Other names that made the grade in 2027 include Alphabet, Apple , Coca-Cola, Dynatrace , Eli Lilly , Equinix and Williams Companies . — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2026 Another Spanish-language filmmaker, Chile’s Pablo Larraín, has arguably already made the grade. — John Hopewell, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for make the grade
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
  • Research suggests that wildlife crossings with fencing can cut large-animal collisions by more than 80%, making it among the most effective ways to improve driver safety and wildlife connectivity, according to the Pew Research Center.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Ousmane Dieng made a 3-pointer before Kolek scored again to ignite another 10-0 run, and Brunson and Anunoby ended the half with consecutive 3-pointers to make it 58-34.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of make it
Phrase
  • Continuing onto Mill Hill Road, Silvia is a standout for a dinner or date night; its mushroom pasta and chicken schnitzel often sell out, so get there early and book a reservation ahead of time.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
  • But when the caretaker got there, there was no Koah or Comer.
    — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of get there
Phrase
  • Fire marshals have not determined the Sunset Park cause, and no one should get ahead of them.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Reid concluded his opening statement following the Chiefs’ 35-12 win over the New York Jets by getting ahead of the inevitable questions about kicker Harrison Butker’s status.
    — Pete Sweeney November 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of get ahead
Phrase
  • After spending 26 years trying to get somewhere, this copy won’t be going back in the mail.
    — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
  • 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
  • Gleb is a successful businessman, a Russian muzhik made good—wealthy, sturdy, practical—who owns a logistics company in a midsize, provincial city.
    — Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Cecil oversaw the opening of The Inn in 2001, making good, more than a century later, on his great-grandfather’s original vision for a hotel component to his country estate.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of make good
Phrase
  • That effort is far more likely to raise overall government spending than cut it.
    — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
  • But representation alone won’t cut it, said Julián Castro, chief executive of the Latino Community Foundation.
    — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 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 14 Nov. 2026.

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