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Definitions

get by

VERB
manage, survive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cope get along get on prosper subsist thrive
WEAK
contrive do do well enough exist fare flourish make ends meet make out muddle through shift succeed
Antonyms
STRONGEST
fail lose

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Lori Inglis Hall’s novel follows twins into World War II peril, while Mieko Kawakami’s group of female friends work to get by in modern Japan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Some have managed to get by catching crabs or other types of fish, while others have left the state.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

After remarks to business groups and comments to journalists that he had managed to get by without French for years, Rousseau faced backlash from politicians.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

If companies are able to get by with fewer workers, that threatens the traditional software model that charged based on “seats,” or the number of employees using an offering.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

This diversity, with many different types of crops, allowed the farmer to get by if prices fell for any one crop.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan