make-or-break

adjective

ˈmāk-ər-ˈbrāk How to pronounce make-or-break (audio)
Synonyms of make-or-breaknext
: allowing no middle ground between success and failure

Examples of make-or-break in a Sentence

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.
Monk has played sparingly his first two years and faces a make-or-break summer. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 The bulk of this final season has the team dealing with this massive storm that’s created a slew of setbacks at a make-or-break moment for the restaurant. — Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 This includes his understanding that his spotlight episode on The Diplomat was make-or-break for his future on the show. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026 Winning a championship is still not going to come from free agency, but big-money deals might no longer create make-or-break pressure for teams to succeed at the highest level. — Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for make-or-break

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of make-or-break was in 1919

Rhymes for make-or-break

See All Rhymes for make-or-break

Browse Nearby Words

make oneself useful
make-or-break
make out
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make-or-break. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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