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
The Dynamo's playoff match Sunday against the Seattle Sounders at Shell Energy Stadium is a make-or-break moment for Houston's campaign to win the 2024 MLS Cup.
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Jay R. Jordan, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024
In a make-or-break moment for both Reeves and new Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a budget that will raise taxes by the most in at least 30 years — when former Conservative Chancellor Norman Lamont was also trying to restore economic stability.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune Europe, 30 Oct. 2024
Experience will always be the make-or-break factor in what keeps customers or drives them away, not their arbitrary awareness of some sophisticated technology at work behind the scenes.
—Mantvydas Štareika, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
Many Georgians viewed the vote as a make-or-break referendum on the opportunity to join the European Union.
—Reuters, NBC News, 27 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for make-or-break 
Jay R. Jordan, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024
In a make-or-break moment for both Reeves and new Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a budget that will raise taxes by the most in at least 30 years — when former Conservative Chancellor Norman Lamont was also trying to restore economic stability.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune Europe, 30 Oct. 2024
Experience will always be the make-or-break factor in what keeps customers or drives them away, not their arbitrary awareness of some sophisticated technology at work behind the scenes.
—Mantvydas Štareika, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
Many Georgians viewed the vote as a make-or-break referendum on the opportunity to join the European Union.
—Reuters, NBC News, 27 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for make-or-break
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break
Adjective
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Sleep Aid – Getting adequate rest is crucial for recovery.Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
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The coordination is crucial since the NRAO operates the Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia, which is home to the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope.Michael Kan, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Asian Americans in particular have emerged as a critical part of the electorate, now making up about a quarter of the district’s population as its largest minority group.Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
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Trump would go on to win the critical swing states of Michigan and Pennsylvania in his landslide victory.Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The congressional district that includes sections of Adams, Larimer and Weld counties could play a pivotal role in the partisan battle over control of the House of Representatives, where Republicans seek to hold onto a narrow majority.John Aguilar, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
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This is a very important point for Lila, because the emancipation of women plays a pivotal role in Elena Ferrante’s books.Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near make-or-break
Cite this Entry
“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-or-break. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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