MAKE-OR-BREAK Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

make-or-break

adjective

Definition of make-or-break

as in crucial

resulting in either definite success or definite failure a make-or-break decision The next year will be a make-or-break time for the company.

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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 make-or-break Breslow knows his job is on the line this year, and this deadline might be a make-or-break scenario. — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 28 July 2026 In the realm of AI for mental health, harness engineering is especially vital and can make-or-break how well or badly an AI system responds to mental health considerations. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026 Not that the location is a make-or-break factor for the business. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 23 July 2026 Her comments come as Senate negotiators enter make-or-break talks to salvage bipartisan support for the legislation. — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for make-or-break

Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break

Adjective

This extended to her closest competitors in the Tour, after Niewiadoma-Phinney accused Vollering’s teammate Célia Gery of boxing her in during the crucial penultimate stage.

— Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Both teams are eyeing crucial points across the two-test series for staying in contention for the 2027 World Test Championship final.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of crucial

Adjective

Young adult dramas have always been pivotal to Netflix’s programming.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
For one of the men in particular, the type of hustling, defiant gay life that John Rechy describes in his nonfiction book The Sexual Outlaw is pivotal.

— Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of pivotal

Browse Nearby Words

make one's mark

make-or-break

make out

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“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-or-break. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of make-or-break

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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