GET BY Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

get by

verb

Definition of get by

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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of get by 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 See All Example Sentences for get by

Recent Examples of Synonyms for get by

Verb

Is this style choice primarily a form of self-expression, or is my teen trying to cope with deeper emotional distress?

— Liz Regalia, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
Broadcasters of all sizes, especially local station owners, have been battling cord-cutting and coping with ongoing audience and advertiser shifts away from linear viewing.

— Dade Hayes, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of cope

Verb

Chief Warrant Officer Michael Leathers says before getting on a boat check four things.

— Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Meta and OpenAI are the latest tech giants to get on board with Texas' new data center standards for energy consumption and water use to operate in the state.

— Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of get on

Verb

Carrick named an unchanged line-up in four of his 17 Premier League games last season — a feat Amorim managed just once.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Orlando’s best chance of the first half came in the 31st minute when Simone Jackson hit the crossbar, but the Pride managed little else going forward and went into the break trailing.

— Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026