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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of makings
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
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
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Add in the flourishes provided by Poku and Kofane, in particular — the former’s opening goal last weekend was a masterpiece — and the picture is of a brittle but talented group, clearly in a development stage, but with obvious potential in key areas.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
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As people increasingly turn to such bots for emotional support and life advice, recent incidents have spotlighted their potential to manipulate vulnerable people by facilitating a false sense of closeness or care.—
Angela Yang,
NBC news,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The blanket comes with a USB charging cable, a pocket for the battery, and a stuff sack for storage and travel.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Oct. 2025
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In other words, the stuff of literature.—
Elizabeth D. Samet,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
1 Nov. 2025
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This pair is no exception, thanks to its soft material that comfortably forms to your body.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Makings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/makings. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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