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 The show follows Chickie (Pompeo) and Doreen, two estranged half-sisters who are both struggling to get by when their wise guy dad unexpectedly kicks the bucket. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 15 July 2026 Norwegians who are better off are willing to give up some income to ensure that people in blue-collar jobs get by. — Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 14 July 2026 There was extra time against Cape Verde, a miraculous late-game comeback over Egypt, then extra time again to get by Switzerland. — Becky Sullivan, NPR, 14 July 2026 Many questioned and condemned her motives as a single mother who’d had numerous IVF treatments prior and was already struggling to get by before welcoming the octuplets. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for get by

Recent Examples of Synonyms for get by

Verb

But Americans are also coping with years of cumulative inflation.

— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 18 July 2026
To cope, Nick seems to be turning to alcohol, while Charlie continues to struggle with self-harm ideation and an eating disorder.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

Definition of cope

Verb

Samoyeds are friendly, active, affectionate, extremely loyal dogs that like to be on the go, get along with all animal breeds — including cats — and never met a stranger.

— Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
In each, the protagonist(s) will be sought by both police and gangsters yet will lose their own money and have to get along without any while on the run.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026