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Definitions

make ends meet

VERB
economize
Synonyms
STRONGEST
conserve cut down scrimp
STRONG
manage retrench shepherd skimp stint
WEAK
be frugal be prudent be sparing cut back cut corners keep within means meet a budget pay one's way pinch pennies run tight ship stretch a dollar tighten one's belt
Antonyms
STRONG
spend
WEAK
squander throw away
VERB
get by
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cope get along get on prosper subsist thrive
WEAK
contrive do do well enough exist fare flourish make out muddle through shift succeed
Antonyms
STRONGEST
fail lose
VERB
live
Synonyms
STRONGEST
feed get along maintain
STRONG
fare profit subsist support
WEAK
acquire a livelihood earn a living earn money get by make it
Antonyms
WEAK
cease depart die not use
VERB
save
Synonyms
STRONGEST
collect conserve keep maintain manage spare store
STRONG
amass cache deposit gather hoard hold reserve retrench scrimp skimp squirrel stash stockpile treasure
WEAK
be frugal be thrifty cut corners feather nest hide away lay aside lay away pile up pinch pennies put by roll back salt away save for rainy day sock away stow away tighten belt
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disperse give ignore neglect squander use waste
STRONG
distribute divide let go scatter spend
WEAK
endanger harm hurt leave open make vulnerable throw away
VERB
scrimp
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cut back skimp
STRONG
conserve curtail save
WEAK
be cheap be economical be frugal be prudent be sparing cut corners pinch pennies run a tight ship stretch a dollar tighten one's belt
Antonyms
STRONGEST
spend waste
STRONG
squander
VERB
skimp
Synonyms
STRONGEST
scrimp
STRONG
pinch save scamp scant scrape screw slight spare stint withhold
WEAK
be mean with be sparing cut corners pinch pennies roll back tighten one's belt
Antonyms
STRONG
release spend squander waste
VERB
stint
Synonyms
STRONGEST
scrimp
STRONG
begrudge confine define grudge limit penny-pinch pinch restrain save scrape spare squirrel stash withhold
WEAK
be frugal be parsimonious be sparing be stingy cut corners go easy on roll back save for rainy day skimp on sock away tighten belt
Antonyms
STRONG
free let go release squander waste
WEAK
spend
VERB
subsist
Synonyms
STRONGEST
get along get by scrape by
STRONG
be breathe continue endure exist last live manage move remain survive sustain
WEAK
barely exist eke out a living eke out an existence hang in hang on hang tough just make it make it remain alive ride out stay alive stick it out stick with it
Antonyms
STRONG
cease depart die discontinue halt stop

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.

The couple divorced in 1953 and, needing to make ends meet, Slenczynska began teaching piano.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

She and her husband had moved in with their in-laws because all four of them are disabled and it was easier to care for one another and make ends meet being in one household.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

Martinez, 52, currently logs about 50 hours a week to make ends meet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

"Fuel prices rose but fares didn't, so they're losing money," the 35-year-old told AFP outside one of Manila's ubiquitous jeepney terminals, while conceding she was struggling to make ends meet herself.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Tracy figured she could pick up a part-time job in Atlanta to make ends meet.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John