as in coping
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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Recent Examples of getting by
Magallan said that most day care and child care providers are just getting by.
—
David Ingram, NBC news, 4 Jan. 2026
For many, that’s the difference between getting by and falling behind.
—Kam Shenai, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2026
Despite all this, PG&E seems to be getting by.
—Nick Bowlin, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
The Heat’s new-look offense relies on players getting by their defender and into the paint without the help of a screen.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2025
Much of the 31-year-old comic’s material revolves around getting by in an increasingly stupid world — half-hearted attempts at self-improvement, if not self-preservation.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
Sadly, after about a decade of getting by, the dairy market tanked.
—Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
David Ingram, NBC news, 4 Jan. 2026
For many, that’s the difference between getting by and falling behind.
—Kam Shenai, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2026
Despite all this, PG&E seems to be getting by.
—Nick Bowlin, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
The Heat’s new-look offense relies on players getting by their defender and into the paint without the help of a screen.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2025
Much of the 31-year-old comic’s material revolves around getting by in an increasingly stupid world — half-hearted attempts at self-improvement, if not self-preservation.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
Sadly, after about a decade of getting by, the dairy market tanked.
—Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for getting by
Verb
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Inside athletic departments across the country, executives are coping with financial impacts driven by the death of amateurism in high-level college sports.—
David Eckert,
Austin American Statesman,
23 Jan. 2026
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Hey, if getting railed by a hot patient is McKay’s coping mechanism, more power to her.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But simply getting on the long list far exceeded Alexan’s expectations.—
Jeff Banowetz,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Jan. 2026
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Sustainability leaders are getting on with it, less time on stage, more time in spreadsheets and supplier calls.—
Gus Bartholomew,
Sourcing Journal,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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So far, the cat crew is getting along well and exploring their new home.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
29 Dec. 2025
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However, when the students have difficulty getting along, a cheerleader named Addison (Meg Donnelly) and a zombie named Zed (Milo Manheim) team up to unite them.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In doing so, something incredible is revealed — the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower will coincide with a total solar eclipse.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
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In a telephone call on Saturday, Hennessey estimated that 50 of the paper’s 200 journalists are covering the story daily, doing everything from tracking protests and monitoring immigration enforcement action to covering the significant business impact on the city.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
These are songs seeking soul, soul mate, maker, making out and mercy.—
Daniela Avila,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
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The two were speculated to be together when the two were making out on Perry’s yacht in August.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Her mother accompanied her to appointments, managing logistics and providing emotional support.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
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Tina Olson, a managing attorney with the Juvenile Lifer Unit in the State Appellate Defender Office, says the decision doesn't minimize the crimes committed – or the victims impacted – but instead ensures defendants are given fair punishments.—
Elaine Rojas-Castillo,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Getting by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/getting%20by. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
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