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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Recent Examples of make-or-break
Ballard recently scoffed at the idea of Richardson’s 2025 campaign being a make-or-break season; four weeks later, the Colts have asked for a break from Richardson — perhaps permanently.
—
James Boyd, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
As far as the games most likely to determine Boston’s ultimate playoff fate, there are five series fans will want to circle on the calendar as potential make-or-break opportunities.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 15 Aug. 2025
The Bearcats went 5-7 last season and there are plenty of murmurs about this being a make-or-break year for coach Scott Satterfield.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
At a time when advertising revenue was a make-or-break issue for print publications, taking the high road wasn’t always the best for profit.
—Essence, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
James Boyd, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
As far as the games most likely to determine Boston’s ultimate playoff fate, there are five series fans will want to circle on the calendar as potential make-or-break opportunities.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 15 Aug. 2025
The Bearcats went 5-7 last season and there are plenty of murmurs about this being a make-or-break year for coach Scott Satterfield.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
At a time when advertising revenue was a make-or-break issue for print publications, taking the high road wasn’t always the best for profit.
—Essence, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break
Adjective
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That tactic was crucial to her victory in last year’s final, and Pegula’s coaching team have been encouraging her to use more variety herself.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
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Also, a crucial partner in battling against Russia and China.—
Jamie McIntyre,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In service of that goal, the government has abandoned due process in favor of media warfare, preemptive declarations of guilt and freezes on billions in critical federal funding.—
Peter Elkind,
ProPublica,
27 Aug. 2025
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Starship is the centerpiece of Musk's vision of sending the first humans to Mars, and is also critical in NASA's plans to return astronauts to the moon's surface.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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While both teams chase Kansas City in the loaded AFC, Buffalo’s win could prove pivotal come January.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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With the actress as the first spokesperson, the program will give women equitable access to menopause support and resources in hopes of ending the stigma surrounding the pivotal stage of life.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-or-break. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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