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
With Vegas leading Colorado, the Oilers are on the verge of narrowly avoiding ultimate loser honors in what was supposed to be a make-or-break season.
—
Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 26 May 2026
Those could be make-or-break investments for many companies that are likely years away from a product that could see widespread use.
—ArsTechnica, 25 May 2026
Yes, definitely a make-or-break year for Guyton, in my opinion.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026
Adelman insisted that his team demonstrated competitive spirit, citing the make-or-break league as an explanation for the loss.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 26 May 2026
Those could be make-or-break investments for many companies that are likely years away from a product that could see widespread use.
—ArsTechnica, 25 May 2026
Yes, definitely a make-or-break year for Guyton, in my opinion.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026
Adelman insisted that his team demonstrated competitive spirit, citing the make-or-break league as an explanation for the loss.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break
Adjective
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Experts say that because chips perform the advanced computations required for frontier AI systems, cutting off access to the chips is crucial to prevent geopolitical rivals from using AI systems for military or economic purposes.—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
18 June 2026
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Performance rotors Rotors also play a crucial role in maximizing your car’s performance.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
Adjective
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Everyday businesses most at risk To counter the threat, businesses and leaders should invest in cyber defenses, upgrade old systems or patch faulty software, and limit who has access to critical systems, the Five Eyes leaders said.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
23 June 2026
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Commercial vessels and oil tankers preparing to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical strategic waterways for global trade flows, maintain their wait in the Gulf of Oman, on June 17, 2026.—
Justina Lee,
CNBC,
23 June 2026
Adjective
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Burnham, a former cabinet minister who’s been Mayor of Greater Manchester for the best part of a decade, now re-enters parliament at a pivotal moment for his party.—
Clare Sebastian,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
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The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has transformed from an advertising awards show into a pivotal global marketplace where technology, retail, media, luxury, and entertainment converge.—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-or-break. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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