get by
verb
got by; got by or gotten by; getting by; gets by
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
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
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
Because sometimes, the slow erosion of a relationship isn’t caused by infidelity at all, but by the quiet ache of a partner who gives just enough to get by.
—Essence, 12 Sep. 2025
Seattle can get by playing Witherspoon against 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends) because the two-time Pro Bowler is able to punch above his weight.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Men can get by with one suit or blazer and two shirts, changing accessories such as ties to keep the look fresh.
—David Nikel, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for get by
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Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
Because sometimes, the slow erosion of a relationship isn’t caused by infidelity at all, but by the quiet ache of a partner who gives just enough to get by.
—Essence, 12 Sep. 2025
Seattle can get by playing Witherspoon against 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends) because the two-time Pro Bowler is able to punch above his weight.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Men can get by with one suit or blazer and two shirts, changing accessories such as ties to keep the look fresh.
—David Nikel, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for get by
Cite this Entry
“Get by.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/get%20by. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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