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
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
Seems like this should be a make-or-break year for Jung.
—Kevin Sherrington
feb. 25, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
Tehran is expected to turn over a detailed proposal for a diplomatic agreement ahead of the talks, which appear to be make-or-break for reaching a deal.
—Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
Cornyn and Paxton are expected to head to a May runoff, but Crockett and Talarico are the only major candidates in the Democratic primary, making March 3 the likely make-or-break point.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Pia Singh, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
Seems like this should be a make-or-break year for Jung.
—Kevin Sherrington
feb. 25, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
Tehran is expected to turn over a detailed proposal for a diplomatic agreement ahead of the talks, which appear to be make-or-break for reaching a deal.
—Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
Cornyn and Paxton are expected to head to a May runoff, but Crockett and Talarico are the only major candidates in the Democratic primary, making March 3 the likely make-or-break point.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break
Adjective
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The move could cement Tehran’s de facto chokehold over the crucial waterway and formalize its ability to keep its own oil flowing to China.—
David McHugh,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
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This coating plays a crucial role.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Millions of Americans enrolled in Medicare Advantage are approaching a critical deadline that could have long-lasting financial consequences.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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For Iranian athletes who play in domestic-league games that aren’t broadcast internationally, the World Cup serves as a critical launchpad to impress international scouts.—
Albert Samaha,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Mar. 2026
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Martinez said mental health care is pivotal to reaching the people who need it most.—
Zach Boetto,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-or-break. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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