MAKING THE GRADE Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

making the grade

phrase

present participle of make the grade

as in making it

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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Recent Examples of Synonyms for making the grade

Phrase

Instead of fighting with Whitney, Lindsay has a talk with Yvonne about how Lindsay ruined Yvonne’s wedding by making it all about her.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 8 July 2026
That momentum led to Biden rewarding the state by making it first in the party’s primary nominating order in 2024.

— Lia Russell July 8, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of making it

Phrase

According to Levine, no attempt should be made to remove the venom yourself, whether by sucking on the wound or cutting it.

— Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
In one of the side plots to The Lord of the Rings, two of the Hobbits attempt to rouse Treebeard—a wise but ponderous sentient tree—to defend his forest from an army that is cutting it down.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 1 July 2026

Definition of cutting it

Phrase

The Sri Lanka bowlers kept up pressure throughout the day, making good use of short-pitch bowling to limit the scoring.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
The Italian brand, founded in 1895 and still family-run today, has always focused on making good coffee while staying relevant in current pop culture.

— Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of making good

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.

Browse Nearby Words

making sport of

making the grade

making tracks

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

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Synonyms of making the grade

phrase

Example Sentences

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