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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for getting by
Verb
-
Worrying about finding a bathroom, coping with abdominal pain, and apprehension about symptoms starting or coming back all cause stress.—
-
The theme is an evolution of Glimmers, a macro trend from WGSN’s Future Consumer 2026 forecast that examines the coping tool for consumers as the world faces multiple crises.—
Verb
-
But simply getting on the long list far exceeded Alexan’s expectations.—
-
Sustainability leaders are getting on with it, less time on stage, more time in spreadsheets and supplier calls.—
Verb
-
So far, the cat crew is getting along well and exploring their new home.—
-
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.—
Verb
-
Upon doing some research for more formal choices to match the nickname, the mom came across Margaret, which had a connection to her husband's grandmother.—
-
No New Yorker should have to fear losing access to health care -- and no nurse should be asked to accept less pay, fewer benefits or less dignity for doing lifesaving work.—
Verb
-
These are songs seeking soul, soul mate, maker, making out and mercy.—
-
The two were speculated to be together when the two were making out on Perry’s yacht in August.—
Verb
-
Her mother accompanied her to appointments, managing logistics and providing emotional support.—
-
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.—
Cite this Entry
“Getting by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/getting%20by. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share