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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Recent Examples of get by
Brands can no longer get by posting the same asset across every channel.
—
Kelly Ehlers, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Skinner, the Edmonton goalie shelled by the Cats in the final game, may want to forget how many pucks got by him, but the Panthers fans haven’t.
—Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 22 June 2025
Tracee Ellis Ross always gets by with a little help from her girlfriends.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 30 June 2025
At last Friday’s re-inspection, May Fu got by enough to reopen with a Follow-Up Inspection Required.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for get by
Kelly Ehlers, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Skinner, the Edmonton goalie shelled by the Cats in the final game, may want to forget how many pucks got by him, but the Panthers fans haven’t.
—Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 22 June 2025
Tracee Ellis Ross always gets by with a little help from her girlfriends.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 30 June 2025
At last Friday’s re-inspection, May Fu got by enough to reopen with a Follow-Up Inspection Required.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for get by
Recent Examples of Synonyms for get by
Verb
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With over 660 comments on the viral TikTok video, internet users can't cope with Nicole's way of cheering up her granddog.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
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This includes positive coping strategies such as reframing negative thoughts, practicing grounding techniques and seeking professional mental health support.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
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The Great Lakes freighter sank — one of the largest on Lake Superior ever to do so — during a violent November storm in 1975 while carrying Minnesota ore.—
Frank Witsil,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
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The audience knows more about Jane than Xavier does.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
22 July 2025
Verb
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There sure was plenty to like for the Twins, from all the walks to Christian Vázquez driving in three runs — his first RBIs since June 8 — to Correa getting on base four times, including three times to lead off an inning.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
23 July 2025
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The Padres got on the board in the third when Arráez singled home Martin Maldonado, who had doubled and advanced to third on a wild pitch.—
Steve Gorten,
Miami Herald,
23 July 2025
Verb
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At a time when the American government's tariff policies and 51st state talk about Canada are creating tension, the people of Detroit and Windsor seem to be getting along just fine, thank you.—
Julie Hinds,
Freep.com,
10 July 2025
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When introducing new ducks or geese to an existing group, caregivers should proceed with care to avoid conflict—keeping at least three that get along well, and avoiding mixing birds of very different sizes, which can lead to bullying.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
Verb
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However, one of her bridesmaids managed to save the day.—
Michael Nied,
People.com,
15 July 2025
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Discuss your risk factors and ways to manage risk with your healthcare provider. 3.—
Jennifer Lefton,
Verywell Health,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Get by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/get%20by. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
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