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
-
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
Noun
-
That lineup did a great job of preparing, did a great job of laying off stuff in the dirt.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Part of what makes Nightborn both stomach-churning and thought-provoking is how all the crazy stuff happening is just a slightly — okay, substantially — exaggerated version of the reality so many first-time parents face.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The approach allows a single sheet of material to perform multiple functions at once, including adaptive camouflage, information encryption and decryption, and shape morphing.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
-
There is no efficient transport of material in-and-out of the core, and thus, most of the star’s interior never gets a chance to fuse simply because of its location.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Makings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/makings. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
