MAKE-OR-BREAK Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

make-or-break

adjective

Definition of make-or-break

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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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-or-break Key Background Leerink Partners analyst Mani Foroohar wrote in June that Moderna’s late-stage cancer vaccine trial would be a make-or-break event for its stock, with the potential for the experimental drug to work across multiple types of cancer. — Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 But what comes after a peak is a make-or-break turn, one that’s broken many great artists before her. — Sidney Madden, VIBE.com, 19 Aug. 2026 This isn’t meant to be the make-or-break moment, just a way to narrow down your choices, according to the experts, since the real test happens in the bedroom. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026 Jonathan Mingo — Still searching for his first NFL touchdown after just one reception last season, making this a make-or-break camp for the former second-round pick. — Nick Harris. Story Produced With Ai Assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for make-or-break

Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break

Adjective

Most crucial to Barcelona’s long-term outlook is their success in refinancing the huge sums already borrowed to fund the project.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
The timing of the Houthis’ escalation, which began with attacks on Saudi interests in July, is especially significant, given that the Red Sea has become a crucial alternative to the Strait of Hormuz for Saudi oil during the Iran war.

— April Longley Alley, Foreign Affairs, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of crucial

Adjective

And although there were some critical mistakes from Florida transfer quarterback DJ Lagway, the new Baylor QB made big-time throws, showed grit while playing through injury and had the Bears in position to win in the final moments.

— The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
GlobalFoundries and Monarch Quantum will give the company domestic manufacturing partners for two critical parts of its systems.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of critical

Adjective

While the 23-year-old Thompson is a pivotal player for the Rockets, he was not selected to either an All-Star or All-NBA team last season.

— Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
At a pivotal moment in the film, Ledger’s Joker positions a pencil on a table, and later slams a man’s head into it.

— Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of pivotal

Browse Nearby Words

make one's mark

make-or-break

make out

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“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-or-break. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of make-or-break

adjective

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