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 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
In a city where up to 60% of households in some neighborhoods do not have access to a car, the Maryland Transit Administration plays a make-or-break role.
—Holly Arnold, Baltimore Sun, 13 Mar. 2025
For many, this opportunity is make-or-break and the only thing driving them is the potential delusion of their vision.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 13 Mar. 2025
But when her family’s garment business receives a make-or-break order for 200 dresses, Ana is forced to juggle her own ambitions with her mother’s expectations.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2025
In a city where up to 60% of households in some neighborhoods do not have access to a car, the Maryland Transit Administration plays a make-or-break role.
—Holly Arnold, Baltimore Sun, 13 Mar. 2025
For many, this opportunity is make-or-break and the only thing driving them is the potential delusion of their vision.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 13 Mar. 2025
But when her family’s garment business receives a make-or-break order for 200 dresses, Ana is forced to juggle her own ambitions with her mother’s expectations.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break
Adjective
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With a constant wave of new competition flooding shelves—and social media—understanding your consumers' needs and habits has never been more crucial.—
Alexandra York,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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All of these activities, at home and abroad, have shaped health policy in crucial ways that in turn protect people’s health.—
Casey Luc,
The Conversation,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Enough jaw-dropping critical injuries are sustained by characters in The Raid to overcrowd the Pitt.—
Andy Crump,
Time,
26 Apr. 2025
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The order, which Trump signed in private, seeks to jumpstart the mining of both U.S. and international waters as part of a push to offset China's sweeping control of the critical minerals industry.—
Ernest Scheyder and Jarrett Renshaw,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Given the lack of standardized transparency across global skincare markets, in-house production serves a pivotal role.—
Xandra Harbet,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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The same videos played a pivotal role in the last trial, when a witness counted the drinks Read appeared to drink at both establishments.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-or-break. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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