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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Recent Examples of make-or-break
Broadcom results out Wednesday evening could be make-or-break for the stock as jitters around the artificial intelligence trade remain.
—
Pia Singh, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
Seems like this should be a make-or-break year for Jung.
—Kevin Sherrington
feb. 25, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
Tehran is expected to turn over a detailed proposal for a diplomatic agreement ahead of the talks, which appear to be make-or-break for reaching a deal.
—Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
Cornyn and Paxton are expected to head to a May runoff, but Crockett and Talarico are the only major candidates in the Democratic primary, making March 3 the likely make-or-break point.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Pia Singh, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
Seems like this should be a make-or-break year for Jung.
—Kevin Sherrington
feb. 25, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
Tehran is expected to turn over a detailed proposal for a diplomatic agreement ahead of the talks, which appear to be make-or-break for reaching a deal.
—Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
Cornyn and Paxton are expected to head to a May runoff, but Crockett and Talarico are the only major candidates in the Democratic primary, making March 3 the likely make-or-break point.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for make-or-break
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break
Adjective
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Irrigation is crucial in an area that's primarily dry land agriculture.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Called the trans-lunar injection burn (TLI), the crucial maneuver is scheduled to take place roughly 24 hours into the mission.—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Millions of Americans enrolled in Medicare Advantage are approaching a critical deadline that could have long-lasting financial consequences.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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For Iranian athletes who play in domestic-league games that aren’t broadcast internationally, the World Cup serves as a critical launchpad to impress international scouts.—
Albert Samaha,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Mar. 2026
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Martinez said mental health care is pivotal to reaching the people who need it most.—
Zach Boetto,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-or-break. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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