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
Read the full Leo Daily Horoscope Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
A make-or-break moment may be occurring in a primary relationship.
—
Usa Today, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
Read The Hill’s Mike Lillis’s reporting: ‘Spotlight shifts to Medicaid, a make-or-break issue for Trump’
COMING UP
The House and Senate are out.
—Cate Martel, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
Everyone goes through phases of discerning who can and cannot be trusted in life; but for the ultra-famous, this is a skill that can literally make-or-break their careers.
—Jessica Ourisman, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
The film from writer-director James Gunn — who is also co-chief of DC Studios — is considered a critical make-or-break movie for the studio, which is heavily relying on the July 11 release to help launch a new generation of superhero titles.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Usa Today, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
Read The Hill’s Mike Lillis’s reporting: ‘Spotlight shifts to Medicaid, a make-or-break issue for Trump’
COMING UP
The House and Senate are out.
—Cate Martel, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
Everyone goes through phases of discerning who can and cannot be trusted in life; but for the ultra-famous, this is a skill that can literally make-or-break their careers.
—Jessica Ourisman, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
The film from writer-director James Gunn — who is also co-chief of DC Studios — is considered a critical make-or-break movie for the studio, which is heavily relying on the July 11 release to help launch a new generation of superhero titles.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break
Adjective
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These include India’s suspension of a crucial water-sharing treaty, the withdrawal of envoys, and visa restrictions.—
Bloomberg News,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2025
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Comments Traveling in a comfortable airport outfit is crucial, especially for long flights.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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Founded by Frank Fertitta IV and Landon Gyulay, the Easy Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) grant-making nonprofit committed to helping Veterans transition to civilian life by addressing critical needs including mental health care, job training, placement, and family support services.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
5 May 2025
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Update: Republished on May 4 with a critical new fix that impacts Gmail users and more information on passkeys and plans to delete passwords altogether.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
Adjective
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Owens cited those messages as evidence of a larger issue, alleging that the incident was a pivotal moment in West’s life that triggered much of his subsequent behavior.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
5 May 2025
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This is also a pivotal episode for Ellie and Dina, who get themselves into a good bit of trouble on their first day looking for Abby.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
5 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-or-break. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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