MAKE THE GRADE Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

make the grade

phrase

Definition of make the grade

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.

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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 But two songs that don’t fit either of those criteria made the grade. — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026 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

Phrase

Only a fraction of the ships that used to cross the Strait of Hormuz before the war are making it through.

— Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Jurors who make it past the initial screening will face additional vetting in a process known as voir dire.

— Adam Reiss, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of make it

Phrase

To get there, Turnout has built multiple quality-control layers.

— Victor Dey, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Thornton has a ways to go to get there, and it’s been interesting to hear Green delineate between what McLean and Scott have done this year and what Thornton has accomplished in his handful of starts.

— Tim Britton, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of get there

Phrase

Now’s the time to get ahead of the seasonal shift with transitional bedding, and Quince has a lineup of layerable quilt sets that make revamping my linens easy.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026
All that guessing will create herding and noise trading as the crowd chases the crowd like a dog chases its tail, in a futile attempt to get ahead of the next unpredictable change in what humors the Big Player.

— Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of get ahead

Phrase

Slap added that the registry could help make post-secondary education more accessible by making good information widely available to prospective students in the state.

— Kat Ramkumar, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
The property makes good use of the outdoor space, featuring beautiful landscaping and amenities like an al fresco dining area and fire pits with Adirondack chairs.

— Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of make good

Browse Nearby Words

makes way

make the grade

make tracks

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“Make the grade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make%20the%20grade. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of make the grade

phrase

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