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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Recent Examples of make-or-break 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 Since that time shares are down more than 75% below its all-time high of $500 and now sit at a critical make-or-break moment from a technical perspective. — Jay Woods, CNBC, 28 May 2026 The film, adapted from a play with the same title, covers the tense, make-or-break forecasting and decision-making that happened in the 72 hours before the first troops set foot on Normandy’s beaches. — Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 29 May 2026 In what could be a make-or-break season with the Jets, Glenn says Sherwood has shown a sense of urgency, as many of his players have after registering a 3-14 season in 2025. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for make-or-break

Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-or-break

Adjective

Both Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers applauded the recent letters from Congress to Quebec, saying getting American wine back into Canada is crucial to aiding their struggling industry.

— Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026
Fairview a ‘crucial’ crossing The two Fairview bridges were built 44 years apart.

— Mark Dee July 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026

Definition of crucial

Adjective

The unorthodox midterm convention comes as Democrats continue to poll stronger than Republicans ahead of November's critical elections.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Kennard could have provided a critical floor-spacing piece around Doncic, who thrives when surrounded by lob-catching centers, athletic wings and knockdown shooters.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of critical

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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of make-or-break

adjective

Example Sentences

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