live by

VERB

obey

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accept adhere to carry out comply embrace execute heed observe surrender

STRONG

accede accord acquiesce agree answer assent concur discharge follow fulfill keep mind perform respond serve submit

WEAK

abide by act upon be loyal to be ruled by bow to do as one says do one's bidding do one's duty do what is expected do what one is told get in line give way hold fast knuckle under play second fiddle take orders toe the line

Antonyms

STRONGEST

decline deny disregard forget ignore leave miss neglect overlook refuse reject

STRONG

argue ask differ disagree disallow disapprove disobey dispute dissent fail object oppose protest question

WEAK

mutiny rebel

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.

One of the rules I came to live by during my years of covering global trouble spots is: “Never assume that things can’t get worse.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

The AI also answered English-language questions posed live by its co-creator, Ben Relles.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

The Artemis 2 flyby will be broadcast live by NASA, save for a period for when the spacecraft is behind the moon.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

So I started to live by this, I started to lighten up.”

From MarketWatch • Feb. 10, 2026

“Always with a book. Don’t you know that man can’t live by books alone?”

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane

live by

Example Sentences

Related Words