get by

verb

got by; got by or gotten by; getting by; gets by

intransitive verb

1

: to succeed with the least possible effort or accomplishment

2

: to make ends meet : survive

3

: to proceed without being discovered, criticized, or punished

Synonyms of get by

• cope
• do
• get on
• get along
• manage

Examples of get by in a Sentence

working at night paid my college tuition and enabled me to get by—but just barely

Recent Examples on the Web

Martin, who says she has been intrigued by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, says so many voters are just struggling to get by and are hungry for sweeping change. — Sam Gringlas, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026

In recent years, as residents’ costs of living and grocery bills have increased, rising property taxes have put more of a strain on households just trying to get by — especially in Wyandotte County. — Sofi Zeman july 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Even learning enough Spanish, French, Italian, or another language to order dinner or get by on a trip can make your next vacation more meaningful. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 30 July 2026

Many musicians already have jobs in food service or retail to get by. — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for get by

• apply
• awry
• belie
• bely
• bigeye
• bonsai
• buckeye
• comply
• coxae
• decry
• defy
• deny

Kids Definition

get by

verb

1

: to make ends meet : manage

2

: to succeed with the least possible effort or accomplishment