gets 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.

Buffett said Berkshire gets by with just one trader, adding that investment firms don’t need a lot of people to handle their trades.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

He gets by on less than $1,000 a month from Social Security, and the heating aid saves him the equivalent of three monthly payments.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 24, 2023

DeAndre Carter, Mater Dei, 6-4, 340, Sr.: Let’s see who gets by him this season.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2023

The Chicago Cubs ace likes to think he gets by on confidence and elite stuff.

From Washington Times • Jun. 21, 2023

A few others try to join the lineup, and not a one of them gets by Ezra.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen