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 $4 million at stake for second place, every game becomes a make-or-break moment in this showdown.
—
Miami Herald, 7 July 2025
But instead of canceling the series after a regrettable first season, the network surprised everybody by completely retooling the show and bringing it back for a make-or-break season 2.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 5 July 2025
Tax credit awards are highly competitive, with multiple firms competing for a limited pool of funds, meaning the make-or-break financing source is anything but certain.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
The Senate on Monday kicked off the hours-long vote-a-rama with members considering a series of amendments that could be make-or-break for support in the lower chamber, including changes to Medicaid cuts and tax provisions.
—Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Miami Herald, 7 July 2025
But instead of canceling the series after a regrettable first season, the network surprised everybody by completely retooling the show and bringing it back for a make-or-break season 2.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 5 July 2025
Tax credit awards are highly competitive, with multiple firms competing for a limited pool of funds, meaning the make-or-break financing source is anything but certain.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
The Senate on Monday kicked off the hours-long vote-a-rama with members considering a series of amendments that could be make-or-break for support in the lower chamber, including changes to Medicaid cuts and tax provisions.
—Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break
Adjective
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Attorneys make a crucial difference for a child or a teen.—
Nicol León,
AZCentral.com,
22 July 2025
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Therefore, long-term planning can play a crucial role in unlocking the financial flexibility that helps to allow retirees to sleep well at night, free from the fear of depleting their nest egg.—
Wes Moss,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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Future View Of Mentorship Looking ahead, the role of mentors in fostering innovation will become even more critical and nuanced.—
David Henkin,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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Em Out arrived to critical acclaim, with some hailing it as an instant classic and contender for album of the year.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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Although initial discussions started around 1999, the pivotal moment came during the blackouts of 2001.—
David Blekhman,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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Lorde, whose music is featured at a pivotal moment in the show, also attended a performance at the Booth Theatre last week.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-or-break. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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