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
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
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
-
Some will point to poor television ratings as a sign of trouble, while others can point to crowds drawn this season in Brooklyn and Philadelphia as signs of potential for Unrivaled.—
Tim Reynolds,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
His trip comes after a February visit by Energy Secretary Chris Wright, which was focused on the country's oil potential.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The grand opening Tuesday of the center on the library’s ground floor was a showcase of AI tools and demonstrations from San Jose State students, city departments and partners like LEGO Education, with fun stuff like robots on display.—
Sal Pizarro,
Mercury News,
7 Mar. 2026
-
This is once-in-a-lifetime stuff.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Of course, there are also regions that have hot, ionized material in the way, such as around active galaxies or in passing through galaxy clusters that have hot, X-ray emitting intracluster mediums.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Attorneys for Meta say the company discloses risks and makes efforts to weed out harmful content and experiences -- acknowledging that some bad material still gets through its safety net.—
MORGAN LEE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Makings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/makings. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
