as in potential
often makings plural
the basic elements from which something can be developed
she has all the makings of an excellent leader, but she needs some experience first
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in producing
to bring into being by combining, shaping, or transforming materials
will you help me make the dough for the cookies?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in achieving
to obtain (as a goal) through effort
we finally made it!
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in creating
to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind)
the cats made quite a disturbance when they knocked the Christmas tree over
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in fulfilling
to carry through (as a process) to completion
one person from each department will be asked to make a short presentation at the meeting
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5
as in forcing
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure
made him do all the work while everyone else just lounged around
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in estimating
to decide the size, amount, number, or distance of (something) without actual measurement
I make that to be about six feet long
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in constructing
to form by putting together parts or materials
make a model airplane
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8
as in seeming
to give the impression of being
the family made merry despite their financial worries
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9
as in heading
to go on a specified course or in a certain direction
the baby made straight for the toy lying on the rug
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10
as in enacting
to put into effect through legislative or authoritative action
the legislature failed to make any new laws last session
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11
as in earning
to receive as return for effort
I make considerably more money now than I did when I first started working here
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12
as in knowing
to have a clear idea of
what do you make of the latest information?
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13
as in shutting
chiefly dialect
to position (something) so as to prevent passage through an opening
make the gate when ye leave
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of making
Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
The Broncos certainly need a difference-making receiving weapon at tight end.
—Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 20 Feb. 2026
Thanks to the shipwrecks, which offer protection, the sand tiger sharks gather in great numbers, making the Crystal Coast one of the best places to see them in the world.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for making
Noun
If all had gone according to plan, four astronauts might have been returning just this week from a history-making, 10-day slingshot trip around the moon.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
The Broncos certainly need a difference-making receiving weapon at tight end.
—Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
Cherry girl makeup is making a comeback, so why not extend that love to your fingertips?
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 20 Feb. 2026
Thanks to the shipwrecks, which offer protection, the sand tiger sharks gather in great numbers, making the Crystal Coast one of the best places to see them in the world.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for making
Recent Examples of Synonyms for making
Noun
-
Forecasters with the National Weather Service are warning that Thursday should bring dangerous driving conditions in the mountains, with the potential for roadway closures in the Tejon Pass on the 5 Freeway.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
That could mean finding better ways to use Engram, who showed some flashes of big-play potential at times during his first season in Denver, but the team should also view the upcoming NFL Draft as an opportunity to add a talented target at the position who can grow in the offense over time.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The near side has a thin crust, low topography and KREEP, a geochemical component rich in heat-producing radioactive elements.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
-
These areas mimic a natural desert oasis environment, where trees are clumped together and left to grow naturally, producing fruit and nourishing the local wildlife.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
There’s something so pleasing about smooth, streak-free floors—and the good news is, achieving them doesn’t have to take over your schedule.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Regardless of whether Arthur Agee and William Gates become the next Jordan — or even the next Isiah Thomas — their lives wind up far more interesting than potential glory, with unexpected developments achieving a profundity few scripts ever could have.—
Eric Farwell,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
When creating the outfits for the first 2001 Bridget Jones cast, Fleming sought to give Jones — whose diary entries detailed her romantic adventures, weight, and alcohol and cigarette consumption — a pragmatic, somewhat disheveled look that would feel relatable to busy women.—
Kati Chitrakorn,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The wreath is made with artificial jasmine, lavender, and daisies, as well as other wildflowers, creating a vibrant piece for your front door.—
Jamie Weissman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Instead of fulfilling their contracts, the suspects used the funds for the company’s operating costs and their own personal expenses, the documents state.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Working with Jamie Lloyd and Hayley Atwell on Shakespeare’s most warm-hearted play has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my performing life.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
His removal would trigger yet another transition, forcing the legislature to appoint a new leader and marking a volatile new chapter in Peruvian politics just two months before national elections.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Feb. 2026
-
There’s a delectable tension between its chintziness and its opulence, forcing the mind to color in the spaces of its grand visages.—
Sam Goldner,
Pitchfork,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Unable to add clouds to their models directly, physicists have effectively resorted to estimating their influence.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Counsell didn’t sound optimistic about either player joining them soon, estimating their arrival in Arizona this upcoming weekend at the earliest.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The authority would work toward acquiring, financing, constructing and leasing land and capital improvements.—
Michelle L. Quinn,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Companies taking part in the state’s Reinvestment Payment Program earn a rebate on sales taxes paid for upgrading equipment or constructing a new building or expansion in South Dakota.—
Makenzie Huber,
States Newsroom,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Making.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/making. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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