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
Other organizations might have been a little more reluctant to go into what looked like a make-or-break year with a modest haul of offseason acquisitions headlined by a backup center named Luke Kornet.
—
Mike Finger, San Antonio Express-News, 21 Mar. 2026
The best coaches will set aside time to work on new drills, figure out lineups, game plan for future opponents, and many other things that go under the radar but can make-or-break a season.
—Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2026
This is the make-or-break move for a make-or-break 2026 season.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
Broadcom results out Wednesday evening could be make-or-break for the stock as jitters around the artificial intelligence trade remain.
—Pia Singh, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Mike Finger, San Antonio Express-News, 21 Mar. 2026
The best coaches will set aside time to work on new drills, figure out lineups, game plan for future opponents, and many other things that go under the radar but can make-or-break a season.
—Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2026
This is the make-or-break move for a make-or-break 2026 season.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
Broadcom results out Wednesday evening could be make-or-break for the stock as jitters around the artificial intelligence trade remain.
—Pia Singh, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break
Adjective
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Initiating prenatal care early is crucial for identifying high-risk pregnancies and ensuring that education and interventions begin promptly.—
MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center,
Oc Register,
16 Apr. 2026
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The collaborative project is now bringing together community youth for exercise, leadership training, team building, coping skills, crucial conversations and new friendships.—
Christina Mayo,
Miami Herald,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The teamwork and professionalism shown by the officers today are a testament to their training in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and critical decision-making.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
21 Apr. 2026
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But for Ternus, perhaps the most critical aspect of his new job will be pushing the company deeper into AI, where it's lagged many of its megacap peers.—
Jennifer Elias,
CNBC,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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As previously announced, Michelle Mao will play Yara and Kyriana Kratter will play Lev, siblings whose paths cross with Abby at a pivotal moment, as Ellie begins her revenge rampage in Seattle.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2026
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Launching the booster, which provides the initial burst of thrust at liftoff, for a second time would be a pivotal step toward allowing New Glenn to launch more frequently.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-or-break. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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