get by

verb

got by; got by or gotten by; getting by; gets by
Synonyms of get bynext

intransitive verb

1
: to succeed with the least possible effort or accomplishment
2
: to make ends meet : survive
3
: to proceed without being discovered, criticized, or punished

Synonyms of get by

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Examples of get by in a Sentence

working at night paid my college tuition and enabled me to get by—but just barely
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
However, those in more remote areas can get by with just a few. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026 Thousands more who kept coverage are struggling to get by, as prices of necessities like groceries and gasoline remain steep, and health insurers project another year of double-digit premium hikes. — Ali Swenson, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026 Almirón got by Sporting Kansas City defender Moisés Mosquera with several stop-and-go moves before serving a precise pass to Tomás Jacob for a score in the 13th minute. — Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Don Diamont gets by with a little help from his friends and former costars. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for get by

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of get by was in 1841

Rhymes for get by

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Browse Nearby Words

get busy
get by
get/catch some sun
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Cite this Entry

“Get by.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/get%20by. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

get by

verb
1
: to make ends meet : manage
2
: to succeed with the least possible effort or accomplishment
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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