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 This includes his understanding that his spotlight episode on The Diplomat was make-or-break for his future on the show. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026 In what could be a make-or-break season with the Jets, Glenn says Sherwood has shown a sense of urgency, as many of his players have after registering a 3-14 season in 2025. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 10 June 2026 The film, adapted from a play with the same title, covers the tense, make-or-break forecasting and decision-making that happened in the 72 hours before the first troops set foot on Normandy’s beaches. — Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 29 May 2026 Those make-or-break stakes in unlocking the character through a language that isn’t their own are what binds the impressive dialect-dependent parts that are eligible for the Emmys. — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for make-or-break

Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break

Adjective

Both are well in the hunt for the World Cup’s Golden Boot award, having scored crucial winning goals for their countries almost every step of the way.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 11 July 2026
The pieces of it that Weiden shares with us, including a passage about Native athletes’ crucial role in the early history of the sport of football, are eye-opening.

— Chris Hewitt, Boston Herald, 10 July 2026

Definition of crucial

Adjective

Tensions are flaring over the critical Strait of Hormuz, pushing the two sides back towards all-out war.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
The most critical one came in the 21st minute with France’s Lucas Digne committed a foul on Yamal in the box.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026

Definition of critical

Adjective

Defense experts and strategists have described its drone campaign as pivotal in helping to stall Russia’s military momentum, while also warning that Kyiv’s deep-strike successes have drastically raised the risk of escalation.

— Katie Foley, CNBC, 10 July 2026
Go behind the scenes with Forbes Under 30 founders, creators and musicians—and the investors and mentors who backed them—to hear the real stories, lessons and pivotal moments behind building something that lasts.

— Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 10 July 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 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of make-or-break

adjective

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