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
For Flanagan, pulling it off was a make-or-break moment for the film.
—
Ashley Boucher, EW.com, 13 June 2025
With the Cowboys being one of the more notable teams in the league, things are make-or-break for him.
—Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
That’s because Tesla, Musk’s electric vehicle manufacturer, is about to face a make-or-break test of self-driving technology that the CEO believes is key to its future value — yet has been the subject of a years-long probe by the Justice Department into potential securities and wire fraud.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2025
That scene, in which Hiccup cautiously approaches the wounded dragon, offering fish as a sort of peace offering, is the make-or-break moment for the film — the virtually wordless sequence in which a wary friendship is forged.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Ashley Boucher, EW.com, 13 June 2025
With the Cowboys being one of the more notable teams in the league, things are make-or-break for him.
—Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
That’s because Tesla, Musk’s electric vehicle manufacturer, is about to face a make-or-break test of self-driving technology that the CEO believes is key to its future value — yet has been the subject of a years-long probe by the Justice Department into potential securities and wire fraud.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2025
That scene, in which Hiccup cautiously approaches the wounded dragon, offering fish as a sort of peace offering, is the make-or-break moment for the film — the virtually wordless sequence in which a wary friendship is forged.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break
Adjective
-
The 34-year-old Argentine goalkeeper wasn’t overworked, as Rayados’ defensive shape only gave him 10 shots on target to deal with across the three contests, but his stops were crucial.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
-
While a 5% death rate for F1 drivers seems frighteningly high, there’s a crucial caveat: a majority of the fatalities took place in the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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While uncertainty is an inevitable part of the industry, consulting firms have an enormous opportunity to rise above disruption by aligning their strategies with three critical focus areas: innovation, operational efficiency and a people-first mindset.—
Amy Bjarnason,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
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That mindset is gone—owners are sinking money into the franchises, which is critical as the players negotiate their new CBA.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
These three organizations were pivotal to Hurricane Helene relief efforts and continue to help the community rebuild.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
24 June 2025
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Amid the slide in the polls with millennials, the president has faced numerous pivotal moments in his second administration thus far.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-or-break. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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