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

If it gets by him, it likely clears the bases.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 30, 2023

The latter gets by with some tricks of the light and clever use of projections.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2023

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

From Washington Times • Jun. 21, 2023

“Nothing gets by you three, does it?” he replied, laughing.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood