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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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 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 This isn’t meant to be the make-or-break moment, just a way to narrow down your choices, according to the experts, since the real test happens in the bedroom. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026 Jonathan Mingo — Still searching for his first NFL touchdown after just one reception last season, making this a make-or-break camp for the former second-round pick. — Nick Harris. Story Produced With Ai Assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for make-or-break

Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break

Adjective

Many market participants believe these results will serve as a crucial bellwether to test whether the AI rally can sustain its momentum.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Brown’s ability to hammer Husted on this issue is alarming Republican operatives, who see a Husted victory as crucial to holding a majority in the Senate.

— Dan Kaufman, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of crucial

Adjective

Engineers can develop critical reactor hardware internally while sourcing mature technologies elsewhere.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
The mere possibility of losing its critical space assets in a surprise attack could push the United States to use its forces early or to delegate launch authority in ways that raise the risk of an accident, to avoid the devastating consequences.

— Jeffrey Lewis, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of critical

Adjective

Iceland’s freezing temperatures typically last about five months of the year, but the government has chosen a balmy summer day for its pivotal national referendum.

— Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
But Bama followed with a 38-3 quarterfinal flop to Indiana, erasing any momentum and placing DeBoer squarely under the microscope entering a pivotal third season.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of make-or-break

adjective

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