Phrase guide

scrape by

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To only afford the essentials; to barely sustain oneself.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • Everyone in her family had to get a second job just so they could scrape by.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

manage one's existence barely

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • I guess I can squeeze by on this lousy salary

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: scrape along, scratch along, squeak by, squeeze by, rub along

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: cope, get by, make out, make do, contend, grapple, deal, manage

History

Etymology

From scrape + by.