as in potential
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of makings
Still, Williams always had the makings to meet a baseline of physicality and finishing that he’s simply never reached in Chicago.
—
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Guests can relax post-shower (or post-tub) in Guayabera robes custom-made by Dos Carolinas, and enjoy treats from the Ice Box, including local beer, farmers market provisions, and the makings for the world's best margarita.
—Diana Oates, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026
But, aside from just touting herself as one (which is surely legendary behavior, in and of itself), Cooper has all the typical makings of an icon.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
At the same time, Los Angeles’ upcoming matchup against Chicago has some of the makings for a similar disaster.
—Derrik Klassen, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
What comfort, when this country feels so alien, to see the map of our collective makings!
—Literary Hub, 2 Jan. 2026
Sausages splashed with mustard and chimichurri sauce are the savory makings of this classic Argentinean mouthful whose name is a mash-up of chorizo (sausage) and pan (bread).
—Terry Ward, CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025
How to Watch Cowboys vs Bears This game has the makings to be the most exciting matchup of the day.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
According to other reports cited by Ukrainian electronics expert Serhii Flash the V2U works in teams, with each team member having different color makings on their wings.
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Guests can relax post-shower (or post-tub) in Guayabera robes custom-made by Dos Carolinas, and enjoy treats from the Ice Box, including local beer, farmers market provisions, and the makings for the world's best margarita.
—Diana Oates, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026
But, aside from just touting herself as one (which is surely legendary behavior, in and of itself), Cooper has all the typical makings of an icon.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
At the same time, Los Angeles’ upcoming matchup against Chicago has some of the makings for a similar disaster.
—Derrik Klassen, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
What comfort, when this country feels so alien, to see the map of our collective makings!
—Literary Hub, 2 Jan. 2026
Sausages splashed with mustard and chimichurri sauce are the savory makings of this classic Argentinean mouthful whose name is a mash-up of chorizo (sausage) and pan (bread).
—Terry Ward, CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025
How to Watch Cowboys vs Bears This game has the makings to be the most exciting matchup of the day.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
According to other reports cited by Ukrainian electronics expert Serhii Flash the V2U works in teams, with each team member having different color makings on their wings.
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for makings
Noun
-
What was trashed and trampled had the potential to grow into thousands of pounds of food.—
Juli McDonald,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Pickett pitched Becherer on the potential of GPS technology to change agriculture.—
Tyler Jett,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Even though there was some absurd stuff on the show, people did legitimately do things that were outrageous back then.—
Jennifer Wilson,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
-
This is distinct from writing that is humorous, the stuff that will give you a wry smile at best.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The materials are designed to encourage airflow, according to the brand, to help naturally regulate your body temperature overnight.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Funds, which were distributed to teachers at the beginning of the school year, were used to purchase extra learning materials for their classes not covered in their classroom budgets.—
Sharon Hlapcich,
Oc Register,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Makings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/makings. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
