do-or-die

adjective

ˈdü-ər-ˈdī

-ȯr-

Synonyms of do-or-die

: doggedly determined to reach one's objective : indomitable

: presenting as the only alternatives complete success or complete ruin

a do-or-die situation

Examples of do-or-die in a Sentence

a do-or-die entrepreneur who never stopped believing that hard work would inevitably lead to success

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

However, this is a bit of a do-or-die for them. — David Troy, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026 After they got blown out in Game 4, Sturm didn’t want to put Hagens in the lineup in a do-or-die situation. — Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 4 May 2026 After that loss, Counsell declined to go with Imanaga in the do-or-die Game 5, which the Cubs lost to end their season. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2026 For much of the match on Friday, Spain lacked better offensive coordination ahead of facing more dangerous opponents in the upcoming do-or-die rounds. — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for do-or-die

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of do-or-die was in 1851

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

doorcheek

do-or-die

doored

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Do-or-die.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/do-or-die. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

do-or-die

adjective

Synonyms of do-or-die

Examples of do-or-die in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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