as in crucial
resulting in either definite success or definite failure
a make-or-break decision The next year will be a make-or-break time for the company.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of make-or-break
The Greek show will have a 12-meter-high Wall, with two players per episode facing the make-or-break questions, and a cash prize of up to €350,000 ($408,000).
—
Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
But this fall could present a make-or-break moment.
—Nik Popli, Time, 2 Sep. 2025
While some might desire a taller seat back, that smallest dimension was make-or-break to suit my space constraints.
—Charlotte Collins, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2025
Stock futures were flat early Wednesday as investors turn their eyes to Nvidia earnings, which could be a make-or-break moment for the bull market.
—Pia Singh, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
But this fall could present a make-or-break moment.
—Nik Popli, Time, 2 Sep. 2025
While some might desire a taller seat back, that smallest dimension was make-or-break to suit my space constraints.
—Charlotte Collins, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2025
Stock futures were flat early Wednesday as investors turn their eyes to Nvidia earnings, which could be a make-or-break moment for the bull market.
—Pia Singh, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break
Adjective
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The Bundesliga champions are unbeaten this season, with crucial contributions from Kane (11 goals and three assists in the league).—
Sarah Shephard,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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Officials say there were no survivors inside the facility, depriving investigators of crucial eyewitness accounts of the final moments leading up to the explosion.—
Isabel Rosales,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The initiative will help ensure reliable access to critical medicines, minerals, defense capabilities, and energy and microchips to power AI, Dimon said.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN Money,
13 Oct. 2025
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Rare earth minerals are critical to military applications, as well as to semiconductor and auto industries.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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For director and producer Robert Eric Wise, the goal of the documentary was to introduce more young people to the work and accomplishments of pivotal Black Fort Worth residents.—
Ciara McCarthy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Oct. 2025
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Chris Jones’ effort — or lack thereof — on a pivotal late play became a national talking point.—
Scott Chasen,
Kansas City Star,
12 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-or-break. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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