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
The first preseason game is far from a make-or-break proposition for seasoned veterans, who are just trying to shake the rust off.
—
Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 21 Sep. 2025
Technical reliability is a make-or-break factor when considering industrial integration.
—Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
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
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
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 21 Sep. 2025
Technical reliability is a make-or-break factor when considering industrial integration.
—Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
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
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
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break
Adjective
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Published in Aerospace Science and Technology, the study describes that the Accurate prediction of aerodynamic drag characteristics across a wide range of wing-body configurations is crucial in the early design stages of transonic commercial transport aircraft.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Nov. 2025
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On Wednesday, investigators recovered the plane’s black boxes — the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder — which could hold crucial information about what led to the disaster.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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As in 2025, the US played a critical role in this first occupation—but in a very different way.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
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China has agreed to allow the export of chips critical to auto production, averting widespread shutdowns that had been predicted by the industry.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Here’s a collection of our stories from the Dodgers’ most pivotal moments in 2025.—
Levi Weaver,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
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Midway through November, however, Chicago will face Minnesota again in what should be a pivotal matchup, and safety Jaquan Brisker is already prepared for it.—
Matthew Schmidt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-or-break. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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