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getting 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.

Some Iranians have expressed worry the standoff could explode into fighting again, but for many their focus is on getting by each day.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

“Those who manage to buy cooking gas are getting by somewhat, but most have to use gas or charcoal. There’s no internet connection either.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

The canine, called Floyd, appears to be thriving on The Rock - renowned for its abandoned prison - and getting by on an avian diet.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

According to a 2024 MarketWatch analysis, “the typical American family with this income is just getting by, with little cushion for unexpected expenses, savings or planning for the future without making significant compromises.”

From MarketWatch • Jan. 29, 2026

But as their second anniversary approached, the balancing act that plays out every day of their lives came down to the more immediate questions of getting by.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times