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 This season feels make-or-break for the 2023 first-round pick, especially because he may not be used as an every-down player. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026 Jordan enters 2026 as a senior in a make-or-break campaign for his draft hopes. — Jim Reineking, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Key Background Leerink Partners analyst Mani Foroohar wrote in June that Moderna’s late-stage cancer vaccine trial would be a make-or-break event for its stock, with the potential for the experimental drug to work across multiple types of cancer. — Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 But what comes after a peak is a make-or-break turn, one that’s broken many great artists before her. — Sidney Madden, VIBE.com, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for make-or-break

Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break

Adjective

That was crucial, as cockpit doors are typically locked to prevent hijackings.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
Berkshire Hathaway held a major GM stake when Barra became CEO, and Buffett delivered a crucial vote of confidence in her leadership amid the 2014 recall crisis.

— Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of crucial

Adjective

Its produce is pivotal in curbing supply-side inflation domestically, and the country ranks among the top global exporters of rice and sugar.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
There’s the recurring omission of pivotal moments — in the last two weeks alone, Mae’s death happens offscreen, as does everyone finding out about it — which is less vexing with tough scenes than joyous ones.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of make-or-break

adjective

Example Sentences

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