Synonyms of get by

get by

verb

as in to cope

to meet one's day-to-day needs

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cope
• do
• get on
• get along
• manage
• make do
• make out
• make ends meet
• survive
• make shift
• fare
• shift
• carry on
• afford
• fend for oneself
• eke out
• scrape (by or through)
• last
• scrape (out)
• scrounge
• contrive
• squeeze
• swing
• wring
• wrest

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fall short
• fail
• collapse
• decline
• give up
• flounder
• wane
• slump
• fizzle
• peter (out)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of get by

The show focuses on the Evans family, a poor Black family living in a high-rise building in Chicago, and the episodes showcase their efforts to get by and improve their lives. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Aug. 2026

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