makings

plural of making
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

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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 The story has all the makings of a viral documentary replete with breathless details, similar to the ones McDonnell’s company produced. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026 Jacob Rodriguez is pushing to start Rodriguez, the Dolphins’ second-round pick, has all the makings of a rookie starter. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2026 From the comfy elastic waistband and cotton-linen blend to the variety of coastal-cool color options, these pull-on pants have all the makings of a summer staple. Kate Boswell, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2026 North Fork, Long Island Often billed as a less swanky alternative to the Hamptons, the North Fork of Long Island has all the makings of a fall getaway. Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Aug. 2026 They’re also made with 100 percent sheepskin and have a rubber outsole for peak traction — two makings of a quality shoe. Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026 This fight has all the makings of a Fight of the Year candidate. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 This one has all the makings to be wild. Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026 With that trajectory established, this has the makings of a defining summer for the now 24-year-old, comprising a first World Cup, a first World Cup goal and now a possible transfer to a club who will play in the Champions League next season. Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for makings
Noun
  • Instead, in each instance, Drury has prioritized maximizing the team’s short- or medium-term potential around star goalie Igor Shesterkin and defenseman Adam Fox.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Rozell stressed the importance of integrated AI across departments, warning that isolated use—such as different teams employing various AI tools without sharing insights—limits its potential.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Especially younger voters need to learn why capitalism is better than socialism and why promises of free stuff by the left will come at a huge cost.
    Cal Thomas, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
  • This is the stuff that keeps my, and many, many others employed.
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Deposition systems add extremely thin layers of material onto a silicon wafer.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The waste includes remains of electronic equipment, plastics, construction materials and medical waste.
    Darko Bandic, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Makings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/makings. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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