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.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Another Spanish-language filmmaker, Chile’s Pablo Larraín, has arguably already made the grade. — John Hopewell, Variety, 18 Sep. 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

There was another good one that never actually made it into a film.

— Devon Ivie, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
In early 2025, federal agents intercepted several boats smuggling Chinese nationals to South Florida from the Bahamas, and one boat made it to shore, offloading 26 people from China in Coral Gables.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of make it

Phrase

Be prepared for employees to ask if AI is eliminating roles and get ahead of investing in AI training and upskilling.

— Duane Tursi, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Lockheed also highlighted that its FLEX airframe will provide a modular airframe that gets ahead of subcomponent obsolescence, provides future capability enhancements to outpace threats and enable scalability at the production factory.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 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

China pushed back promptly on the passage of the Sanctioning Russia Act, though Trump has not yet signed the legislation or announced an intention to make good on the authority to levy new duties.

— Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
So, waiting and having a better understanding of all of the candidates nationally makes good sense.

— Chris Tye, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of make good

Phrase

Steinbach initally wrote a commentary script to accompany the images, but cut it after a filmmaker friend said the voiceover pulled them out of the movie.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
Travelers tend to walk everywhere in Europe, so heavy-duty jeans like Wranglers or bulky Levi’s won’t cut it.

— Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of cut it

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 24 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of make the grade

phrase

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