eked out

VERB

make something last

Synonyms

STRONGEST

get by

WEAK

barely exist be economical with be frugal with be sparing with economize on stretch out

Antonyms

WEAK

use up waste

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.

The millennial sex therapist eked out a narrow win in the Democratic primary election in March and will advance to a runoff with the second-place finisher, sheriff’s deputy Johnny Garcia, on Tuesday.

From Slate • May 22, 2026

The S&P 500 held up better, falling 0.2%, while the Dow industrials eked out a 0.1% gain.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

While two— Royal Bank of Canada and Bank of Nova Scotia —have eked out gains of less than 1%, others are roaring ahead.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

U.S. stocks were mixed: The Dow industrials slipped, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq eked out small gains, led by software stocks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

"I just...I just do," I eked out, barely.

From "Patina" by Jason Reynolds