MADE THE GRADE Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

made the grade

phrase

past tense of make the grade

as in succeeded

to reach a desired level of accomplishment There were many applicants for the position, but only a few made the grade for an interview.

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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 made the grade McDonald’s The burger chain also made the grade, even as the stock has seen better days. — Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 7 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for made the grade

Phrase

An August 2024 commissioners court agenda initially included a proposition to swap out Veterans Day as an employee holiday instead, but the motion never made it to the court.

— Rachel Royster July 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026
Bodycam footage shows an officer setting aside her laptop and phone in June, but a property receipt provided by the city does not specify whether a laptop and phone were among the items that made it to the property storage facility.

— Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of made it

Phrase

YouTube has made good on a provision in a 2025 distribution agreement with NBCUniversal, launching the ad-free tier of Peacock on its channel store.

— Dade Hayes, Deadline, 29 June 2026
Monroe wore her wedding suit more than once Monroe made good use of her wedding suit before ever walking down the aisle.

— Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026

Definition of made good

Browse Nearby Words

made sport of

made the grade

made-to-measure

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“Made the grade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/made%20the%20grade. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of made the grade

phrase

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