Definitions

make a living

VERB

support

Synonyms

STRONGEST

back encourage finance fund maintain raise set up sponsor strengthen subsidize uphold

STRONG

angel bankroll chaperon cherish feed fortify foster guard keep nourish nurse prop stake stiffen stroke succor sustain underwrite

WEAK

attend to be a source of strength bring up buoy up care for earn one's keep give a leg up keep an eye on look after pay expenses of pay for pick up the check put up money for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

conclude depress discourage dissuade finish hurt ignore neglect take weaken

STRONG

abandon starve

WEAK

contradict disapprove let down let go oppose refuse reject release

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“You’ve got to survive the fire, and then you’ve got to be able to figure out how to make a living in a landscape that looks very different than it did a week ago.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

Ashoka Shivareddy comes from a family of farmers, but it was hard to make a living in their drought-prone district of Kolar in southern India.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

He found his way to Ramallah, where he opened a successful downtown falafel restaurant to make a living, and above all feed his family still in Gaza.

From Barron's • May 9, 2026

Supplemental Security Income, which serves 7.5 million Americans who are unable to make a living because of severe disabilities or destitution in old age, has never been easy to qualify for.

From Salon • Apr. 29, 2026

“We should build the flying machine. Maybe you can make a living doing it. And while were building it, well both get jobs. We’ll all manage somehow.”

From "Dragonwings" by Laurence Yep

make a living

Example Sentences

Related Words