Definitions

make a living

VERB

support

Synonyms

STRONGEST

back encourage finance fund maintain raise set up sponsor strengthen subsidize uphold

STRONG

angel bankroll chaperon cherish feed fortify foster guard keep nourish nurse prop stake stiffen stroke succor sustain underwrite

WEAK

attend to be a source of strength bring up buoy up care for earn one's keep give a leg up keep an eye on look after pay expenses of pay for pick up the check put up money for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

conclude depress discourage dissuade finish hurt ignore neglect take weaken

STRONG

abandon starve

WEAK

contradict disapprove let down let go oppose refuse reject release

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.

In her early 20s, Ashley Padilla moved from the Bay Area to Los Angeles, hoping to make a living in comedy.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Ashoka Shivareddy comes from a family of farmers, but it was hard to make a living in their drought-prone district of Kolar in southern India.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

Many of the “ritual entrepreneurs” he profiles are people who make a living by tailoring practice to the individual tastes involved.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

He found his way to Ramallah, where he opened a successful downtown falafel restaurant to make a living, and above all feed his family still in Gaza.

From Barron's • May 9, 2026

"You can't make a living from sitting on your fanny and reading story-books. We don't keep them in the house."

From "Matilda" by Roald Dahl

make a living

Example Sentences

Related Words